Nature

Wolf (Canis lupus)

The wolf is a symbol of threat and mysterious forces, but also independence, freedom and beauty. The first, dreadful image of the animal was for many centuries predominant in Europe – once inhabited mainly by farmers and animal breeders. The wolf was persecuted with passion, by all possible means: shooting, poisoning, taking pups out of the den. Then came the industrial revolution, eradicating most pristine forests and wetlands – wolf’s natural habitats. Today the country with the largest number of wolves (2500) in Europe is Romania. In Poland there are around 600 wolves. Wolves live in family herds (packs) of 5 to 8 (in the past the number could reach 20). The pack hunts together for red deer, wild boars and small mammals, takes care of the pups and patrols its territory (ca. 100 square kilometres). In opposition to myths about blood-thirsty monsters, scientific research shows that wolves play an important ecological role – attacking mainly the weakest animals and keeping their population in good condition. In Poland, thanks to efforts of environmental NGOs, the wolf is strictly protected since 1998. However, many hunters and animal breeders still press for permission to shoot wolves again.

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