Wolves an increasing problem in Poland
Beef cattle farmers are looking with increasing concern at the growing wolf population, which is threatening the welfare of livestock, and are awaiting decisions from the Ministry of Climate and Environment.
Increase in the wolf population
Statistics show that around 300 cattle farms disappear every year due to wolves. On the other hand, it is clear from information from the Ministry of Climate and Environment that since the wolf population was placed under strict species protection, it has been steadily increasing, and the range of the species has also been expanding. Currently, based on data from the Central Statistical Office for the period 2014-2022, there is a noticeable steady increase in the wolf population in Poland (from around 1 300 individuals in 2014 to nearly 4 300 in 2022).
Although estimates state that ‘only’ between 0.08 % and 0.12 % of the cattle population is threatened by wolves, in absolute numbers this is between 6 000 and 7 000 animals per year. Given that the average size of a cattle holding in Poland is about 20 head, this means that wolves bite into about 300 average cattle herds in Poland every year.
Breeders are also calling on the government to increase funding for the purchase of more advanced equipment for pasture protection and herding dogs, along with the cost of training.
Source: Farmer.pl