Relaxed defense shooting, streamlined administrative procedures: in the face of the wolf, the prefect presents a simplified framework for pastoralism

More than a million euros in aid

As a reminder, the wolf departmental committee is a yearly “information and consultation” body that brings together elected officials, representatives from the agricultural and pastoral worlds, and nature protection associations. The meeting today was particularly important, as a series of ministerial orders “simplifying the defense of herds” have been in effect since April 1st. These are the measures that Jean-Marie Girier detailed.

He first emphasized that “support for pastoralism” is a “priority” for the state. The state mobilizes “more than a million euros” in aid in the department each year to support breeders in protecting their herds.

Already 25 attacks in 2026

Regarding predation, the prefect indicates that the wolf situation, “closely monitored” by state services, remains “generally stable” in the department. The prefecture reports the presence of wolves in Béarn “since 2018,” the “passage of an individual” to the Basque Country in 2025, and that “for the past three years,” the number of recorded attacks has been “generally comparable,” with a number of victims “varying by year.”

Just a reminder: 9 attacks for 31 sheep victims in 2024, 7 attacks and 14 sheep killed in 2025, but 6 attacks and 25 victims in 2026. This “significant” evolution observed in 2026 “justifies” the continuation of appropriate vigilance.

Simplified defense shots

Jean-Marie Girier highlighted that this declaration will apply “regardless of the level of herd protection,” in “all” predation zones (existing presence, likely presence, potential expansion) and will benefit from a “simplified” online access.

And he added: “Farmers can carry out these shots themselves or entrust them to local hunters.” He also stated that state services are “committing” to ensuring a “quick” processing of declarations, to enable effective mobilization of the system “when necessary.”

Ouzoum sector “prioritized”

It should be noted that the prefect has requested that the Ouzoum sector be “prioritized” to protect herds that have recently been attacked. In case of “new attacks on a particularly affected herd” and when wolf responsibility “cannot be excluded,” state services will directly contact the breeder to “identify the most appropriate solutions.”

Such as the implementation of emergency protection measures, assistance with administrative procedures, mobilization of wolf lieutenants for protected herds. The prefecture emphasizes that these actions “comply strictly with current regulatory framework.”

The prefect concluded: “The presence of the wolf remains hardly compatible with a pastoral territory with a high density of transhumant sheep, such as the Pyrénées. The state remains fully committed to supporting breeders.”

From the agricultural unions’ side, at the time of press, only the Rural Coordination was able to respond. Julien Mingo, one of its co-presidents, expressed some dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.

Why the FDSEA boycotted the meeting

The FDSEA organized a press conference in front of the prefecture just before the departmental committee on the wolf. Jean-François Lacazette, vice-president of the union’s departmental branch in charge of the mountain, explained why they boycotted the meeting.