More wolf packs live in Lower Saxony - Lower Saxony's Wolf Population Surges to 59 Packs, Sparking Debate
Lower Saxony's wolf population continues to grow, with a significant increase in packs and incidents of livestock attacks. By the end of the third quarter of 2025, the region is home to 59 wild wolf packs, up from 56 in the same period last year. This rise has sparked a heated debate, particularly among pastoral farmers who face considerable challenges due to these attacks.
The number of wolf territories has also grown, from 63 to 64. Notably, three more breeding pairs and two additional lone wolves have been documented. Between July 1 and September 30, a total of 100 incidents involving wolf attacks on livestock were recorded, resulting in 200 animal deaths, 101 injuries, and 5 missing. Sheep were the most frequently targeted, followed by cattle and horses.
The controversial state environment minister, Christian Meyer (Greens), has been at the forefront of this issue. In October 2025, he ordered a wolf cull in the Cuxhaven region after repeated livestock attacks, leading to the recovery of five dead wolves, four of which died in traffic accidents. Meyer previously issued a special permit to cull a wolf in the Cuxhaven district due to repeated predation on sheep and cattle.
The growing wolf population in Lower Saxony, now at 59 packs, has exceeded Environment Minister Christian Meyer's target of 44 packs. As the wolf population continues to rise, so does the need for effective management strategies that balance conservation efforts with the challenges faced by pastoral farmers. The emotionally charged debate surrounding wolf conservation in the region is expected to persist.
