Today the Council of Europe will decide whether “Isegrim” will remain “strictly protected” in Europe – or whether its protection status will be downgraded. The wolf is a moving subject. According to a survey, we like the robber a lot more than we thought.
When a wolf wandered through deserted Bludenz (Vbg.) in February, the waves rose – as with every wolf sighting. Also at the end of October, where an animal is said to have killed sheep in Kaltenleutbaren (Lower Austria). According to some, the shooting of problematic wolves should be simplified as much as possible. Farmers and alpine pasture managers in particular are concerned about their farm animals. If the others have their way, the wolf, as the ‘health policeman of the forest’, even contributes to nature conservation by hunting old and sick animals.
Decision on protection status
In any case, crucial days lie ahead for the predator. The Council of Europe should decide today whether the wolf’s current protection status will be downgraded. Namely from “strictly protected” to “protected”.
Europe’s wolf population, once nearly extinct, has boomed in recent years. Too magnificent, as chairman Gerhart Fallent of Wolfstop Europe says. The ‘Ausseer Declaration’ was sent to the Council of Europe – a ‘constructive proposal’, as Fallent believes. Their objectives: nationally established upper limits, the demarcation of wolf zones and zero tolerance zones (settlements and alpine pastures), professional monitoring of wolves. “The necessary majority in the Council of Europe will come,” Fallent believes.
Austrians love Wolf more than previously thought
However, the first major wolf report (500 respondents from Tierschutz Austria) shows that the wolf is better than its reputation. After hedgehogs, foxes and rabbits, it is even the favorite animal for 42 percent. 76 percent see it as an enrichment, 77 percent would be in favor of maintaining the protected status. But half of Austrians feel they are too uninformed and believe untrue myths about Isegrim.
Surprisingly: dog owners have a very positive attitude towards wolves. Likewise, city dwellers while rural dwellers tend to fear for their farm animals.
However, the Council of Europe does not care whether the Austrians love the wolf or not.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
