How French sheep farmers are learning to live with the reintroduction of wolves

With 12,000 sheep a year killed by wolves in France, French farmers warn Ireland against reintroduction and explain how, when their protests fell on deaf ears, they turned to special guardian dogs to limit the damage

Bone of contention: A wolf in the French Alps. Wolves returned to France 30 years ago and as their population has grown, sheep attacks have increased. Photos: Getty — © Getty Images

Ciaran Moran

It’s 30 years since it was officially confirmed that wolves had returned to France. Three decades on, and with up to 12,000 head of livestock being killed each year, their relationship with the French farmers remains fraught.