Researchers confirm: Less hunting can protect more - Baden-Württemberg's wolf population triples, igniting fierce management debates

Baden-Württemberg has seen its wolf population triple in the past five years, rising from around four packs in 2021 to 14 by early 2026. The increase has sparked debate over how to manage these predators, with recent moves to classify them—and other species—under hunting regulations.

Agriculture Minister Peter Hauk took action in late December by adding wolves to the state's hunting list. Scientists, however, warn that culling may backfire, as killed wolves are often quickly replaced by new individuals. Studies also suggest that removing pack members can lead to more livestock attacks, not fewer.

The state remains divided over the decision. While the CDU pushes to include beavers and rooks in hunting law, the Greens oppose the measure. Beavers, known for restoring rivers and wetlands, and rooks, which play a role in ecosystems, could face similar management challenges.

Alternatives to culling have shown better results. Fences and livestock guardian dogs have proven effective in protecting farms from wolf attacks. For beavers and corvids, targeted solutions like guidance systems or conservation orders are preferred over broad hunting rules. Incorporating protected species into hunting law also adds layers of bureaucracy, complicating necessary interventions.

Wolves, meanwhile, contribute to forest health by controlling deer and roe deer populations. Their presence helps regenerate climate-resilient woodlands, a benefit some argue outweighs the conflicts with farmers.

The debate over hunting regulations continues as Baden-Württemberg's wolf numbers climb. With packs spreading into the Black Forest and Swabian Alb, the state must balance ecological benefits against agricultural concerns. For now, non-lethal measures remain the most reliable way to reduce conflicts with wildlife.