State government assures no problem wolves in Thuringia's current population
In a recent session in Erfurt's state parliament, State Secretary for Environment Burkhard Vogel echoed the Thuringian government's stance that no problematic wolves exist among the approximately dozen wolves inhabiting the region. Vogel attributed this to responsible livestock farming practices, including adequate protective measures for sheep and goats, which ensures these animals are unlikely to fall victim to wolf attacks.
Historically, the only known problem wolf resided in Ohrdruf; however, this wolf has since passed away. Problem wolves represent predators that attack and kill livestock, even in the presence of protective measures like high-security fences. Vogel emphasized that wolves learn to target grazing animals due to insufficient or inexistent safeguards.
Livestock farmers strengthening protective measures have actively thwarted the escalation of problem wolves. The Thuringian government supplies comprehensive support programs for improving such protective measures.
Wolves have been reintroduced to Thuringia since 2014, with populations concentrated in Ohrdruf and the Zella area in the Rhön. The wolf population in the state has experienced a relatively stable count since 2021, according to Vogel. Agriculture practices in Thuringia remain unaffected by the current wolf population.
Data from the Ministry of the Environment revealed a significant reduction in farm animal deaths at the hands of wolves. In 2019, 200 farm animals were claimed by wolves compared to 61 in 2022, and only 16 have fallen victim to wolves so far in 2023.
Despite this reduction in reported incidents, the Ministry of the Environment continues to closely monitor the situation to safeguard both animal welfare and farmers' interests. While farming communities have expressed concerns, State Secretary Vogel assures them that the current Thuringian wolf population does not pose a significant threat to livestock farms, provided appropriate safety measures are implemented.
