Bulgaria is one of the few European countries, where wolves still exist. Hunters say their number is too high. According to environmentalists the species needs special attention. By the way, the gray wolf is a protected species both here and across Europe. Its presence is a sign of good health for forest ecosystems. This large predator has long been extinct throughout Western Europe, says Andrey Kovachev from the Balkani Wildlife Society. Hence the greater responsibility for its protection, wherever it still exists.

“The wolf got extinct as early as the late medieval period in West Europe,” Andrey says. “They really can’t bear it when some wolves penetrate the forests of Switzerland or Germany – the fuzz is big! The population has long forgotten about any coexistence with that species. At the same time this coexistence is something typical for the East. People know how to live along with wolves, how to protect the herd with a dog, for instance…”

Neighboring Romania enjoys a pretty big wolf population and the species is most common for Russia, the expert goes on to say. Current estimations on the number of wolves in Bulgaria have come up so far with info on 500 – 1,000 animals. A management plan has been developed. Andrey Kovachev does reject hunters’ claims on a large population of wolves, he says things are exactly the opposite.

“The major threats are related to humans,” says Mr. Kovachev. “One of them comes from the fact that poaching takes away the food base of wolves. It’s not that wolves terminate game, but poachers. Wolves eat deer and roes, but do not terminate their populations. Their role is sanitarian, as they eat ill animals. At the same time poachers shoot at elite specimens. The other threat comes from the way this species is gunned down in Bulgaria with the purpose of regulation. The posses used destroy the entire social structure of the wolf pack by killing the alpha male, i.e. the leader. If wolves are to be shot, it would be better if younger specimens are aimed at while they migrate, looking for new habitats. However, only expert hunters can do that via selective hunting. The state should take care of the training of such hunters.”

What are the main recommendations of the wolf population management plan, currently discussed in public?

“First, it is the fight with poachers, in order for the food base of the species to be preserved, which will be good for us people as well – more deer and roes in the forests,” Andrey points out. “At the same time wolves won’t attack people’s herds so often. The second requirement is for the introduction of a ban for wolf hunting over their breeding season – through spring and summer. There are no wolf packs then, but still family couples only, which are much more vulnerable. This idea still faces strong opposition among hunters. However, such a measure has been implemented in neighboring Romania for years and it causes no problems at all.”

Andrey Kovachev maintains that kids are the greatest ally to wolves. Those have no prejudices and their attitude is positive. Work is necessary, in order for any negative influences in their future as adults to be avoided.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev