The wolf population in Italy has reached approximately 3,500 individuals. According to the latest national survey data conducted by Ispra (the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) in 2022, this population has increased by about 150 individuals since then, particularly in the Alpine regions.
Legal Changes and Their Effects
In March 2026, Italy transferred the wolf protection guidelines approved by the European Union in 2025 into its domestic laws. This change in the status of wolves from "highly protected species" to "protected species" has raised questions among experts about whether this reduction in protection level will truly be beneficial or not.
The number of wolves in Italy has sparked heated debates in recent years. Experts assure that wolf attacks on humans are a very rare phenomenon. Pierro Genovese, head of wildlife coordination services at Ispra, states: "Wolf attacks are very rare, and there is no real danger to people, but we have seen an increase in these cases in recent years, which is being closely monitored."
Number of Attacks and Wolf Behavior
According to Ispra data, between 2017 and 2024, 19 cases of wolf attacks on humans have been recorded. Notably, only seven wolves were responsible for these attacks, and a single female wolf carried out 11 of these attacks. This fact indicates that these incidents are exceptional, and these wolves have exhibited unusual behavior.
Marco Antonelli, a biologist and large mammal specialist at WWF Italy, says: "In fact, there is no need to fear wolves; they are shy and nocturnal animals that tend to avoid humans." However, Ispra has established a specific protocol for managing urban wolves and "confident" wolves that assesses their behavior based on the level of risk.
Given the increase in the wolf population and legal changes, significant changes in the management of these species in Italy are expected in the coming years. These changes, particularly regarding hunting and population management, could have profound impacts on local communities and ecosystems.
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