France, Feb. 22 -- During a visit to Haute-Marne in eastern France earlier this week, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard and Ecological Transition Minister Mathieu Lefevre confirmed that farmers will be allowed to shoot wolves in defence of their animals, even if their herds are not protected by fences or other deterrents.

The change marks a significant shift in policy and is aimed at responding more swiftly to attacks, which have surged in recent years.

"Whether protected or not, farmers will have the right to shoot in defence [of their animals]," Genevard said, adding that this was a necessary adaptation to the new reality on the ground.

Wolves areexpanding their territory across France. Once limited to fewer than 10 departments, th...