Balancing Act: Conserving Europe's Large Carnivores and Human Coexistence

Introduction

Europe’s large carnivores are making a stunning comeback, a true success story for conservation. Brown bears, wolves, lynx, and even the elusive wolverine are reclaiming their place in the wild, a testament to decades of hard work protecting these species. But while their return is great news for biodiversity, it’s creating real challenges, especially for rural communities who now find themselves living alongside these powerful predators once again.

For wildlife lovers, this resurgence is something to celebrate. But for farmers and shepherds, it’s a different story. Losing livestock to predators can mean financial strain, emotional distress, and deep frustration. So, the big question is: how can we find a way for people and predators to coexist?

A Remarkable Recovery

It wasn’t so long ago that Europe’s top predators were on the brink of extinction. Hunting, habitat destruction, and human expansion had driven them out of many parts of the continent. But thanks to stricter legal protections, habitat restoration, and rewilding efforts, they are returning in significant numbers.

Since 2016, the brown bear population has risen by 17%, bringing their total to around 20,500 across Europe. Wolves, once eradicated from vast areas, have increased by 35% and now number around 23,000. Perhaps the most dramatic success is the Iberian lynx. Once the world’s most endangered wild cat, with fewer than 100 left in 2002, it has bounced back to over 2,000, thanks to breeding programmes and habitat restoration. Wolverines, though still rare, are stabilising in parts of northern Europe due to enhanced conservation efforts.

These figures are proof that, given the chance, nature can heal. But they also raise an important issue, how do we share our modern world with these powerful animals?

The Impact on Farming

For centuries, many rural communities in Europe have lived without large carnivores. Their return is a major adjustment, particularly for farmers who rely on livestock. Wolves and bears are opportunistic hunters, and sheep, cattle, and goats are easy targets. Across Europe, wolves alone are responsible for an estimated 40,000 livestock deaths every year.

But the impact goes beyond just losing animals. Research shows that livestock under constant threat from predators suffer from stress, leading to lower fertility rates, reduced milk production, and weight loss, all of which affect a farmer’s livelihood. These hidden costs are rarely covered by compensation schemes, leaving many farmers to absorb the financial hit.

Compensation schemes do exist, but they are inconsistent across Europe, and many farmers feel they don’t do enough. Some countries have trialled proactive measures, such as paying farmers to install deterrents like electric fencing or guardian dogs before attacks happen, rather than simply reimbursing them afterwards. While these schemes have had some success, uptake varies, and many farmers feel they are not properly consulted when policies are made.

The Human Side of Predation

For a farmer, losing an animal to a predator isn’t just about money, it’s personal. Many families have been raising livestock for generations, with traditions deeply rooted in their way of life. When a wolf or bear attacks, it’s more than just a lost asset; it’s a blow to years of hard work, to a lifestyle built around caring for their animals and their land.

Governments have tried to help by offering compensation, but many farmers find the process frustrating. Claims can be slow and bureaucratic, and payouts don’t always reflect the true impact of an attack. There’s also an emotional toll, seeing your animals injured or killed, worrying about the next attack, and feeling powerless to protect them.

Who Gets a Say in Conservation?

One of the biggest questions in this debate is: who should have a say in how these animals are managed? Conservationists, scientists, and policymakers are all involved in decision-making, but rural communities often feel their voices are ignored.

The issue is even more complex in Europe, where defining who counts as ‘local’ isn’t straightforward. Should decisions be made only by those directly affected, farmers and rural residents, or do city dwellers, who support conservation efforts from afar, also have a role?

This disconnect can lead to frustration, especially when urban populations, who may never encounter a wolf or bear, support strict protection laws that have real consequences for those who do. Finding common ground is crucial if conservation efforts are to be both fair and effective.

Finding a Way to Coexist

The answer isn’t to pick a side, people or predators. The challenge is finding a way for both to thrive. Science alone won’t solve the problem. We need to bring in the experience and voices of those who live and work in these landscapes.

There are already solutions that show promise. Many farmers in predator-heavy areas have successfully reduced livestock losses using non-lethal deterrents. Livestock guardian dogs, electric fencing, and increased surveillance have all been proven to help keep predators away. In some cases, shifting compensation models, paying farmers for prevention rather than just for losses, has helped reduce conflict and build trust.

Education is also vital. Large carnivores are often misunderstood, with outdated fears shaping public opinion. Wolves, for example, help control deer populations, which, if left unchecked, can damage forests and farmland. Helping people understand the role of predators in the ecosystem can foster greater acceptance and support for coexistence efforts.

Conclusion

Europe’s large carnivores are back, showing that conservation can work. But their return isn’t without challenges, especially for farmers who face livestock losses and financial strain.

For coexistence to succeed, we need a fair and balanced approach. Farmers must be supported with practical solutions like better deterrents, improved compensation schemes, and a real say in decision-making. Conservation can’t just benefit wildlife; it must work for the people who share the land with these predators.

By listening to rural communities, embracing practical solutions, and finding common ground, we can create a future where both people and predators thrive. The challenge now is not just protecting these animals but ensuring they fit into a world where they are an asset, not a burden.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.