In Germany, the return of wolves over the past 25 years has led to the examination of over 1,000 deceased wolves to understand their causes of death.

Despite being a protected species, illegal shootings account for about 10% of these deaths, with traffic accidents being the leading cause, responsible for approximately 75% of fatalities.

The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research has been conducting autopsies since 2006, revealing that many wolves die from injuries related to vehicles or other natural causes.

Recent findings also show that wolves have a diverse diet, including not only deer and wild boar but also the occasional nutria.

Conservationists emphasize the importance of protecting these animals and managing their interactions with livestock, advocating for better fencing and compensation for farmers affected by wolf predation.

The illegal killing of wolves remains a significant concern, with calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.