Grey Wolf Population in Europe Reaches Highest Level in 200 Years

The grey wolf is back. After centuries of persecution that drove them to near-extinction across most of Europe, wolf populations have surged to over 20,000 — the highest number in approximately 200 years. The recovery spans 28 countries, with thriving populations now established in places where wolves haven't been seen for generations, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. 'This is one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time,' said Dr. Elena Moretti of the European Wildlife Foundation. 'It shows that when humans decide to coexist with nature, incredible things happen.' Key factors include cross-border protected corridors, livestock protection subsidies for farmers, and public education campaigns that shifted attitudes. Ecologists note that wolf recovery has triggered positive cascading effects on ecosystems, including reduced deer overgrazing and improved river health. Local communities near wolf territories report growing eco-tourism revenue, with wolf-watching tours becoming popular across Scandinavia and the Alps.