Wolf hunting in Spain is allowed to control population and prevent attacks on livestock, but it could actually exacerbate the problem
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himWolf hunting in Spain is allowed - for a fee - to control the population and prevent attacks on livestock, but it could actually exacerbate the problem.
In Spain, i wolves they are frowned upon by residents and especially by farmers and ranchers, who perceive these animals as one threat to themselves, to crops and to livestock.
Although animal rights activists fight every day for the protection of the Iberian wolf, according to the report For the coexistence of man and wolf every year among the 500 and 650 specimens are culled brutally by poachers, poisoned or legally hunted as trophies.
Wolf hunting in Spain is indeed legal and, subject to authorization, it is possible to kill these animals in the wild. Many companies offer convenience packages for hunters: the company Caza en Abierto, for example, allows the killing of adult males and females for 3500 euros.
Wolf hunting offers from the Caza en Abierto site
Since wolves are cunning animals, the hunt takes place by waiting for the animal for the whole night accompanied by an expert guide.
Hunters stay overnight in the field with rifles in hand, waiting for a wolf to appear at dawn in the places where it is usually seen. Before killing the animal, the hunters must have paid 2000 euros and in order to obtain the trophy they must pay the remaining sum.
According to Caza en Abierto, the number of wolves is three times higher than the maximum recommended and since these animals pose a danger to livestock, culling them is necessary and essential to control the population and maintain the balance between wildlife in nature.
The company also ensures that all money received is reinvested to manage and protect the environment and wildlife.
Caza en Abierto is not the only reality that allows you to legally shoot wolves for a sum of money. These companies are widespread in Spain and there are more and more offers for wolf hunting. Another example is JJ Gomez Caza who, unlike Caza en Abierto, does not publish the prices for obtaining trophies but promises potential customers that they can kill large specimens after a stalking of three days maximum.
Wolf hunting on the site JJ Gomez Caza
Every year, the communities where Iberian wolves live authorize the hunting of over 200 specimens. Both males and females can be killed as long as they are adults and experts recommend culling older animals. The hunters though they prefer to kill young specimens, hoping to hunt down what is mistakenly referred to as the "Alpha male".
This poses a problem because if a member of the herd that occupies a high place in the hierarchy, such as a male or female parent, is eliminated, puppies and youngsters remain leaderless. The whole group is therefore disoriented and without guidance, without control and access to resources and it is more inclined to approach urban areas and livestock and to attack livestock.
Randomly kill a member of a wolf pack it does not resolve attacks on the part of these animals, on the contrary, it can be even more deleterious for humans, livestock and domestic species. leaders, attacking domestic species more in this way.
Read also:
- The first wolf sighted in Belgium after 100 years was killed by hunters. He also lost track of the puppies
- Switzerland gives the green light to wolf hunting, including in protected areas
- The killing of wolves is senseless: the opinion of ethologists (and what we can do)
Tatiana Maselli
Photo credit: Open Hunting
