The most significant predator in the Bieszczady Mountains of Poland is the wolf ( Canis lupus ).

The wolf established its presence in Poland during the Glacial
Period. Today Poland remains the last country in central Europe where a large, healthy wolf population still thrives. However, there always has been a very real competition between wolf and man.

The wolf has often been depicted as a symbol of evil and cunning. Due to these well-established myths and beliefs
these large carnivores arouse intense feelings in society.

These perceptions of the wolf have contributed to the impact upon the management and conservation policies of this species throughout history.

Today wildlife biologists estimate that there are about 800 - 1000 wolves in Poland with the highest density found in the Bieszczady Mountains. Here the estimated wolf population is about 120-150 individual wolves and 10-15 wolf
packs.

By the end of the 19th century the wolf population west of the Vistula River was eradicated as a result of " regulations of extermination". Poisons, high bounties, the ravages of war and organized wolf hunts all resulted in the significant decrease of the wolf in Poland and throughout Europe and America.

Until 1973 this species had been treated as a pest in Poland and managed under a special government pest control program. This intensive control program reduced the wolf population from about 1000 animals to under 100.

In 1975 the status of wolf changed to " game animal ". During this period only firearms ( shotguns and rifles ) was allowed to be used to kill wolves. Most of the wolves were shot at bait stations ( high seats or tree stands ). The "fladry" method of corralling wolves was mostly limited to the lowlands.

In 1995 wolves were granted status as a "protected species" in most of Poland and by 1998 they were granted full protection throughout the country. However it is estimated that about 30% of the wolf population is illegally shot in the Bieszczady Mountains.

There is a very real competition for resources as hunting activity expands as well as farming ( livestock), timber harvest and recreational activities.

Many complex biological factors and verifiable monitoring systems of population trends are now being studied to assist in the development of an effective, long term managment and conservation policy for wolves and other large predators in Poland.