The critical issues are growing
Cia Romagna members are now receiving daily reports of wolf sightings, as well as predation and attacks, in various areas of the region , from the hills to the plains, such as in the Rimini area (where the pressure is very high), the Cesena area, the San Pietro in Vincoli and Ducenta areas in the Ravenna area, and even in rural areas of both Cesena and Ravenna. Unfortunately, the problem has become increasingly frequent and serious, and the critical issues are growing, not only for agriculture. Cia Romagna believes it is necessary to find ways to manage and contain their presence. Given the economic and social damage, the abandonment of mountain and hillside areas, and the risk to people, Cia calls for concrete measures that go beyond simple compensation, through active management that recognizes overpopulation in some areas.
An underestimated issue
For several years, CIA has been highlighting at all institutional levels the problems associated with the increase in sightings and attacks on wolves and, more generally, wild fauna. In Romagna, CIA met with prefects in 2018 to discuss the issue and has continued to address it at various meetings, but no concrete answers have been forthcoming. The issue has likely been underestimated until now, with the perception that it only concerned agriculture and livestock, as if it were of little or no importance. Now, the problem is expanding, transcending the agricultural sector and becoming a wide-ranging social and economic problem.
You leave the house with apprehension
Reports from members highlight concerns not only for the safety of their livestock, but also for their own safety and that of their families. One of the latest reports comes from a member of Ducenta, who reported seeing at least three wolves near the farm at 2:30 PM on January 6th. In the preceding days, packs of seven and three wolves had been sighted at least three times. So far, they've preyed on coypu, some pets, a few hares, and pheasants in the surrounding area, but now there's nothing left. People work in the fields with their backs to the ground, and leave their homes with apprehension. Wildlife control is essential for protecting agricultural production, combating the abandonment of inland areas, and ensuring coexistence with human activities. Rational land management planning, with a view to restoring balance between agricultural activity and wildlife, is a priority.
A process at a standstill
At the European level, the Council adopted an amendment to the Habitats Directive, raising the wolf's protection level from "strictly protected" to "protected." This new status allows Member States greater flexibility in managing wolf populations. A shared approach is needed that combines biodiversity protection, local needs, and community safety for more rational management of the species in inland areas. There are also some signs of progress at the national level. In June 2025, a bill reforming wildlife legislation (Law 157/92) was presented, introducing the principle of moving from "protection" to "management." The bill addresses many of CIA's requests: containment plans, self-defense opportunities for farmers, sanctions for those who obstruct operations, and a stronger role for agricultural organizations in governance and wildlife and hunting planning. Unfortunately, the process is now stalled due to pressure from animal rights activists, stemming from ideological reasons and a lack of awareness of the situation (source: CIA).
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