Grey wolves have returned to many parts of Western Europe after decades of absence, but face ongoing persecution from illegal shooting, poisoning, and political pressure to weaken protections.
Wolf welfare in Europe is compromised by ongoing illegal persecution despite legal protection under the Habitats Directive. Poisoning with banned substances causes agonising death. Illegal shooting wounds wolves that may suffer for extended periods before dying. Political pressure to relax wolf protection and introduce culling threatens to undermine decades of recovery. Wolves killed outside their pack system leave dependent pups and partners at risk of starvation. Community-based livestock protection measures including guardian dogs and electric fencing can reduce conflict and depredation events without persecution.