I am not afraid of the wolf
A Wondrous, Divisive Animal
No animal in the world has been more vilified and misunderstood than the Grey wolf. At the end of the 18th century, wolf populations were present in most areas of Europe, but as human populations grew in rural areas, wolves began to be intensely persecuted.
In the last few decades, wolves have recolonised much of their former European range. Rural-urban migration in mainland Europe has increased, and their prey populations have been restored. Great conservation work, and their natural ability to disperse has seen wolf numbers increase. However, a fierce and often politicised backlash to wolf presence is emerging. In order to coexist with apex predators, we need effective communication and trust between rural communities, governments, and conservation groups.