The balance of wildlife in the Italian Alps is shifting as the latest data reveals a complex coexistence between humans and apex predators. In a presentation to the “Tavolo grandi carnivori” (Large Carnivores Table), Roberto Failoni, the provincial councilor for forests, hunting, and fishing, detailed a landscape where the popolazione stabile a 118 esemplari of bears is now occupying a significantly larger geographical footprint.
While the bear population remains steady, the spatial dynamics are evolving. The current estimate for 2025 places the number of bears in Trentino and surrounding areas at 118 individuals, with a scientific confidence interval ranging between 99 and 141 individuals. This stability in numbers masks a broader trend of territorial expansion, as these animals push beyond traditional provincial boundaries to secure resources and mating grounds.
The shift is most evident in the movement patterns of the species. Male bears are now operating across a theoretical range of 19,375 square kilometers, while the range for females covers 2,805 square kilometers—a notable 26% increase compared to 2024 data. This expansion suggests that while the population is not surging in number, the animals are utilizing the landscape more extensively, increasing the likelihood of encounters with human settlements and hikers.
A Divergence in Conflict: Bears vs. Wolves
The relationship between these carnivores and the local agricultural economy is showing a striking divergence. For the bear population, the number of recorded damages in 2025 fell to 127, representing a 32% decrease from the previous year. This decline is seen by officials as a potential result of improved prevention strategies and a shifting behavioral pattern among the bears.
Conversely, the wolf population is presenting a different challenge. Damages attributed to wolves rose to 155 in 2025, marking a 31% increase over 2024. This spike in conflict coincides with a highly structured presence of the species across the province. Officials have now confirmed the existence of 22 distinct wolf packs distributed throughout the entire provincial territory, indicating a mature and well-established social structure for the species in the region.
| Species | Reported Damages (2025) | Trend vs. 2024 | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Bear | 127 | -32% | Stable population (118) |
| Wolf | 155 | +31% | 22 confirmed packs |
To mitigate these losses, the provincial government continues to rely on a combination of preventative measures. These include the installation of specialized electric fencing and the deployment of livestock guardian dogs, which remain the primary tools for protecting herds from predation.
The Return of the Golden Jackal and the Silent Lynx
Beyond the primary focus on bears and wolves, the biological diversity of the region is seeing an unexpected addition. The report confirms the presence of the golden jackal, a species that has been expanding its range across Europe in recent years. The return of the jackal adds another layer of complexity to the local ecosystem, filling a mid-sized predator niche that influences both prey populations and competition with larger canids.
However, not all predators are making a comeback. For the third consecutive year, there have been no official reports or sightings of the lynx. The absence of this elusive feline remains a point of concern for biodiversity experts, as the lynx is a critical component of a healthy, balanced alpine forest ecosystem.
Managing the Human Element
As the range of these animals expands, the provincial administration is shifting its focus toward “conscious visitation.” The goal is to reduce the friction between the natural migration of wildlife and the recreational use of the mountains. This is being addressed through a series of targeted communication campaigns and public meetings designed to educate hikers and mountain enthusiasts on how to behave when encountering large carnivores.
The strategy emphasizes a set of rules for the territory, focusing on food storage, trail awareness, and the importance of not attracting wildlife to human-centric areas. By fostering a culture of awareness, officials hope to prevent the types of “accidental” encounters that often lead to the reports of damage or dangerous interactions.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Coexistence
The data presented by Councilor Failoni underscores a transition period for Trentino. The era of mere “reintroduction” has passed, and the region is now in a phase of long-term management. The stability of the bear population—the popolazione stabile a 118 esemplari—suggests that the population has reached a plateau, but the increasing range means the “buffer zones” between wilderness and civilization are shrinking.
The immediate priority for the provincial government will be the refinement of the prevention measures for wolf-related damages, which are currently trending upward. The effectiveness of these measures will likely be the primary metric of success in the coming year’s reports.
The next official checkpoint for the “Tavolo grandi carnivori” will involve a review of the effectiveness of the 2025 prevention campaigns and an updated census of the wolf packs to determine if the 22 confirmed groups are expanding or stabilizing. Updates will be provided via official provincial channels as new tracking data becomes available.
We invite our readers to share their experiences with wildlife management in the region or ask questions about the new safety guidelines in the comments below.
