Spain bans hunting Iberian wolves in its northern regions

A ban on wolf hunting in rural Spain has led to a confrontation between farmers who fear for their livelihoods and environmentalists who hail the move. Under a decision by the Environment Ministry last week, the ban on hunting the Iberian wolf will extend from southern Spain to the Douro River in the north, where controlled fishing is still allowed.

Since the 1960s, the number of Iberian wolves has increased in Spain from a few hundred to between 1,500 and 2,000, more than 90 percent of which are concentrated in the north.

In some areas, farmers have adapted to live with wolves, building enclosures surrounded by high fences to protect their flocks.

"Wolves and cattle cannot live together," said cattle herder Isaac Ruith Olthabal. "They will have to change this or else many of us farmers will disappear."