A European Commission proposal could end 45 years of strict protections for wolves in Europe, allowing individual EU countries to set annual quotas for wolf culls. As the wolf population has reportedly surged from 11,000 in 2012 to over 20,000 today, farmers like shepherd József Rácz express concerns over livestock losses. Wildlife advocates argue that improved protection methods should be prioritized, citing the ecological benefits of wolves in controlling deer populations and disease spread. The debate continues as experts voice mixed opinions on wolf hunting and conservation.