Suche
Mein Konto
Wolves in Brandenburg: Hunting is becoming easier – Agriculture Minister supports!
Brandenburg makes it easier to shoot wolves to protect livestock and improves wolf management in the Federal Hunting Act.
Wolves in Brandenburg: Hunting is becoming easier – Agriculture Minister supports!
Exciting things are currently happening in Brandenburg with regards to wolf management. According to a report by Time The aim is to facilitate the framework conditions for hunting wolves in problem areas. Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt from the SPD is behind this initiative, which is intended not only to protect grazing animals, but also to promote social acceptance of wolves. The wolf, which already enjoys strict protection status, will now be included in the Federal Hunting Act, which is intended to make shooting easier under certain conditions.
Brandenburg is known for its high wolf density and has one of the most wolf packs in Germany. But this increase also brings challenges: In 2024, there were 279 cases of damage in which wolves were suspected to be the cause. Over 1,000 farm animals were harmed, injured or went missing. Despite the legal protective measures, the question remains as to how agriculture can be effectively armed against such incidents.
New regulations in hunting law
With the planned inclusion of the wolf in the Federal Hunting Act, federal states such as Brandenburg should be given more scope for action in wolf management Wild and dog reported. For example, wolves that overcome protective measures such as fences and kill grazing animals can be legally removed, regardless of the population's conservation status. This should particularly apply in regions where herd protection is not practical, such as alpine pastures or dikes.
In addition, the federal states can designate special grazing areas in which the protection of grazing animals is given priority. And that's not all: The federal government plans to improve the promotion of herd protection through simplified financing procedures and increased premiums.
Political reactions and challenges
However, the legislative initiative is not being received equally positively by all sides. Dirk-Henner Wellershoff, President of the Brandenburg State Hunting Association, sees the regular hunting of wolves as a sensible measure, while Carsten Preuß, the state chairman of the BUND, is concerned. He criticizes the fact that there is no scientific basis for hunting wolves and instead calls for a stronger focus on herd protection.
The Ministry of Agriculture has already signaled that herd protection is a high priority, as stated in a report by Daily Mirror is executed. A round table on the topic of “Forest/Wildlife” is expected to develop possible solutions by the end of 2026 and possibly find a better balance between animal husbandry and nature.
A rethink is therefore required, both in politics and in the regions affected. It remains to be seen how wolf management will develop in Brandenburg, but one thing is certain: there are major challenges ahead of us that need to be mastered with a good hand.