Wolves are among the world's most persecuted large carnivores, with killing by farmers, hunters, and governments causing welfare harm while undermining natural ecosystem regulation.
Wolf persecution causes welfare harm at individual and social levels. Individual wolves shot or poisoned experience acute pain. Trapped wolves may survive for hours or days before collection. The social dimension is equally significant - killing alpha pack members disrupts family structures that wolf cubs depend on for food and learning. Destabilised packs without experienced hunters may turn to livestock predation more than stable packs, counterproductively increasing conflict. Non-lethal livestock protection through guardian dogs, fladry, and improved husbandry prevents losses without welfare cost to wolves and is demonstrably effective in reducing conflict.