Wolf as a guardian of the ecosystem. GDOŚ reminds us of its role

For centuries, the wolf has evoked strong emotions in people – from admiration to fear. In the European Union, it is a protected species, and its presence in forests is of great importance for ecosystems. However, in recent times, social concerns and hostility toward this predator have been growing. In its statement, the General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) reminds us of the wolf’s important role and calls for fact-based education.

The wolf is a protected species

In Poland, the wolf gained protected status in 1998, when a ban on its shooting was introduced throughout the country. Previously, since 1995, wolves were protected in the eastern provinces as a response to a decline in their population caused by intensive hunting in the 20th century. Today, the wolf is protected by both Polish law and EU regulations, including the Habitats Directive. It is estimated that more than 3,000 individuals live in Poland, mainly in forests in the eastern and southern parts of the country.

Despite this legal protection, in recent weeks the General Directorate for Environmental Protection has noted increased social pressure and a growing wave of negative narratives about wolves. As GDOŚ emphasizes, this aversion often stems from entrenched myths and a lack of reliable knowledge about the biology and actual behavior of the species, rather than from confirmed facts. The institution clearly states that any actions taken to the detriment of wolves are not only unacceptable but also contrary to national and EU nature protection regulations.

The role of wolves in the ecosystem

Wolves are true guardians of nature – as apex predators, they keep the ecosystems they inhabit in check. They are at the top of the food chain, which means that no other animal preys on them. By feeding on ungulates such as deer, moose, roe deer, or wild boar, they limit their populations and alter their behavior patterns. This triggers a kind of domino effect that scientists call a trophic cascade. As a result, plants – trees, shrubs, grasses – get a chance to grow, which in turn supports the diversity of species dependent on these habitats – from songbirds such as the American redstart or prothonotary warbler to small mammals and insects.

A widely documented example of the impact of wolves on ecosystem balance is the case of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. After wolves were reintroduced in 1995, a significant increase in the number of willows, aspens, and other riparian plant species was observed. Reduced grazing pressure from moose allowed previously degraded vegetation to regenerate, which translated into improvements in riverbeds, stabilization of riverbanks, and increased habitat availability for fish – including anadromous species such as salmon and trout.

The opposite situation was observed in Olympic National Park, where the absence of wolves led to an excessive increase in the elk population. Their intense grazing caused degradation of riparian vegetation, increased riverbank erosion, and widening of riverbeds. As a result, spawning habitat availability for fish decreased, and significant changes occurred in the functioning of the entire river ecosystem.

Wolves also help maintain the health of herds by targeting weaker, sick, or old individuals. This can help limit the spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer species. The carcasses they leave behind provide food for other animals – ravens, eagles, or bears – especially in winter when food is scarce. More broadly, wolves even impact the climate: fewer herbivores mean more plants, and more plants mean more carbon dioxide absorbed. In this natural way, they support biodiversity and ecological balance.

How to behave when encountering a wolf

If you see an injured wolf, do not approach it. The best course of action is to move away to a safe distance and take a photo. Then report the incident to the local municipality or the regional director of environmental protection. To help identify the location where the animal was, it’s a good idea to mark it on a map or provide an accurate description of the site.

In the event of a direct encounter with a wolf, stay calm and don’t panic. Try to scare it away – you can wave your arms or whistle. Wolves do not attack people without reason and become aggressive only in self-defense.

To avoid attracting wolves to inhabited areas, secure waste containers against animal access and keep entrances and gates closed. By limiting their access to food, you reduce the risk of them appearing near your home.

If a wolf poses a real threat to human health or life, the nearest police station or municipal guard should also be notified, if such a service operates in the area. In cases of indirect danger, the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ) may issue a permit for scaring, disturbing, or capturing the animal. In exceptional and urgent situations – when the threat is real, documented, and waiting for written permission would take too long – GDOŚ may issue an oral permit to kill the wolf.