Politicians argue about wolves: hunters demand clear rules for the population!

Politicians argue about wolves: hunters demand clear rules for the population!

The wolf is currently the focus of political events in northern Germany. The dispute over how to deal with this fascinating but controversial species is far from resolved. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) intends to include the wolf in the Federal Hunting Act in order to enable hunting in certain pasture areas. However, a change to the Federal Nature Conservation Act is necessary so that “population management” for wolves can be effectively implemented. It remains unclear whether the SPD-led Federal Environment Ministry will support these changes, as discussions are currently ongoing between the actors involved.

In Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where there are numerous wolf packs, local ministers are calling for “regionally differentiated population management”. Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is insisting that the situation be clarified by the next grazing season, which should begin in May 2026 at the latest. However, Lower Saxony's Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte (Greens) speaks out against a blanket upper limit for wolves. Hamburg, which is under a red-green government, also joined this rejection at the last conference of agriculture ministers. Nevertheless, the Prime Ministers of Lower Saxony and Hamburg have decided to call on the federal government to create a legal basis for regulating wolf populations.

The Wolf: A Biological Miracle

But what do we actually know about the wolf? The species, scientifically known as *Canis lupus*, is a true survivor and the largest member of the Canidae family. Its fur coloration can vary from white and brown to gray and black, and it lives in social groups called packs. These packs typically consist of a mating pair and their offspring.

Wolves are primarily carnivorous and feed on large ungulates, smaller animals and even carrion. A characteristic of these special animals is their territoriality, which often leads to fights over territory. According to the latest estimates in 2003, there were approximately 300,000 wild wolves worldwide, classifying the species as “near threatened.” Despite their impressive diversity in nature, wolves are often an object of contention in German regions because they come into conflict with farmers when hunting farm animals.

Current situation: A keen ear to the wolves

According to the state hunters' association, 78 attacks on farm animals were recently recorded in Lower Saxony between July and September, with most of the incidents taking place in the Cuxhaven district. The wolf population in Lower Saxony is now officially viewed as favorable, which was not the case before. This development raises questions: How do we deal with the encounter between humans and wolves?

The discussion about the wolf remains exciting. Agriculture Minister Rainer and his colleagues have to find good solutions, because there is something there. The next few months will show whether an agreement can be reached and how the future of the wolf in Germany can be shaped. Hunting these majestic animals will not only influence legislation, but also our relationship with nature and the wildlife that surrounds us.