The shared numbers
Bear-related damage in Trentino decreased in 2025, with 126 incidents (a 30% decrease from 2024) amounting to €91.000, and a decrease also involving animals hit on the road (6 incidents, a 60% decrease). Wolf-related damage, however, increased in the same period, up 35% from the previous year, with 151 incidents amounting to €133.000 in total. These are some of the figures shared in the Table on large carnivores, dedicated mainly to the update from September 2025 to January 2026, awaiting the consolidated data on the size of the bear and wolf populations for 2025 expected around March.
The need for constant monitoring
"These figures, which can be further explored once the consolidated census data is available, confirm the need to remain vigilant and continue to ensure the utmost attention and commitment to the issue of large carnivores," stated Provincial Councilor Roberto Failoni. "For the wolf, in particular, we need the most thorough monitoring, management, and prevention efforts possible, also following the implementation developments following the European decision to downgrade the species." "Alongside these objectives," added Failoni, "the involvement of communities and farmers is crucial, as occurred at last fall's meetings in Valsugana. We are ready to replicate this approach throughout Trentino. For 2026," the councilor concluded, "it remains essential to continue our work on large carnivores, involving the provincial authorities, along with the natural parks and municipalities. We will also continue our efforts to raise awareness among the population and all mountain users, also enhancing the role of the Roundtable as a tool for dialogue and sharing."
The other species
The need for dialogue and participation was also shared by other speakers during the discussion, which continued in-depth on various topics and also highlighted the need to maintain the utmost vigilance in the management of large carnivores. Regarding additional data shared at the meeting, 13 bear litters were recorded in 2025, in line with previous years; four bears were found dead in 2025 (nine in 2024), one of which was run over, while the other three are under investigation for suspected poaching. Regarding wolves, five were found dead from September to February (27 in total in 2025), and the first management cull was recorded in September 2025 in Lessinia, in compliance with the removal decree issued by the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, in compliance with the Habitats Directive, to prevent further damage to mountain economic activities. Regarding golden jackals, at least four families were present in 2025.
Among the special cases mentioned was that of an injured adult female bear, which was recovered, rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
Management initiatives
Equally important is the commitment to management initiatives. Thirty mountain pastures are specifically monitored by the Service's representatives for prevention activities and measures; 11 housing units have been installed for shepherds transported by helicopter, while three additional permanent wooden shelters have been built. Implementation of the waste management plan promoted by the Large Carnivore Sector of the Wildlife Service and the Provincial Wastewater Treatment Agency continues: 18 new recycling centers (for 103 containers) and 185 bear-proof shelters have been installed throughout the area (source: Province of Trento).
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