WOLF
After centuries of retreat, the wolf has made an astonishing comeback in Europe. In recent years, wandering individuals have reached Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark, and increasing numbers are breeding in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and Italy.
Wolves are protected throughout much of their western European range, usually with compensation paid to farmers who have suffered livestock losses. Some countries, such as France and Norway, have occasional culls. In Belarus, bounties are still paid for wolves to be shot.
Wolves are remarkably adept at living alongside man, yet are rarely seen. Though individuals may be nomadic, packs retain a territory that may be anything from 100 to 1,000sq km, depending on the food available. In Scandinavia, reindeer are the preferred prey, but in much of Europe it is roe…
