"To support balanced long-term wolf conservation, it's crucial to manage critical urban situations in Europe." 

About the project 

The primary objective of the LIFE WILD WOLF project is to achieve sustainable conservation of wolves by addressing potential conflicts that arise in human-populated areas of Europe. The project aims to enhance the professional capabilities of competent authorities to manage and mitigate human-wolf conflicts and promote positive practices that support wolf conservation in the wild. Additionally, the project seeks to improve public preparedness for unexpected wolf encounters.

Various governance initiatives based on practical applications and scientific principles are crucial in enhancing comprehension and preventing and alleviating conflicts across eight European nations. This work is conducted in collaboration with 18 partners, including research institutions, governing bodies, and non-governmental organisations.

The project commenced in January 2023 and is set to continue for 4.5 years. It is centred around the following activities:

• Explore the fascinating patterns of wolf behaviour in human-inhabited areas.
• Identify causes of wolf habituation and establish intervention protocols to avoid permanent wolf presence in populated areas.
• Analysis of potential patterns of wolf attacks on canines and evaluation of dog protective measures.
• Training sessions will be conducted to prepare competent authorities in crisis communication and the monitoring and management of wolf populations in inhabited areas.

Areas of project implementation 

Project partners