Do you want to learn more about large carnivores? That’s great! What kind of animal is a ‘large carnivore’ anyway, where do they live and are they strictly meat-eaters or ‘carnivores’? Find out more about them here! You can also engage in active quizzing, do a role play game to step in the shoes of a shepherd, hunter or nature conservationist, or learn about the world ‘through the eyes of the wolf’. Challenge accepted?
Also: don’t forget to scroll down, because there is plenty of further material, including for teachers & students, to dive further into the fascinating world of Europe’s large carnivores.
Presenting... Europe's 'big five'!
There are five large carnivore species living across Europe: bear, wolf, lynx, golden jackal and wolverine. Perhaps you have heard about them in stories, fairy tales or lately on the news? Chances are you don’t know all there is to them. For example: can you identify the above paw prints? Difficult, right? That's why we have gathered some facts on each of them. Spoiler alert: this wolverine is not from a Hollywood blockbuster!
Heads-up! We will use some scientific terms that you might not be familiar with, so we have added some explanations in our glossary to help you navigate the woods.
Fun fact and special trait: Wolverines are the smallest of Europe’s large carnivores and belong to the ‘weasel’ family, of which they are the biggest member on land. Although small in size, they have a big ego and are known to be very fierce, able to defend themselves from larger predators like wolves! Because they are also big, fierce eaters, their Latin name ‘gulo’ means ‘greedy’ or ‘glutton’ in some languages [1] [2].
Where they live: Wolverines are only found in the three northern most European countries and the European part of Russia where they live in remote forests and tundra (these are grounds with no trees and located in cold regions). They move to snowy forests in winter and higher, open areas in summer. Wolverines need large areas to live in and prefer places that are also home to reindeer populations on whom they prey [3] [4].
Find out more about the wolverine in this short video!
Food: Wolverines get most of their food from scavenging, which means they find and eat food that other animals like lynx or wolves have left behind. But they are also hunters themselves and can kill animals of different sizes, from small rodents to big (semi-domestic) reindeer that can weigh up to 182kg [5]!
Behaviour: Wolverines give birth in dens located in snowdrifts on rocky slopes. Because dens are often reused every year, and only daughters inherit them, it’s even more important to find just the perfect location [6]!
Threats: Because wolverines love to prey on livestock and semi-domestic reindeer, humans can have low tolerance towards them and hunt them [7].
Fun fact and superpower(-ful): Brown bears are Europe’s largest carnivore species, weighing up to 320 kg. They often appear slow and sometimes a bit lazy (like the one in the picture). But once they speed up, they can go at about 50km/h - that’s faster than most people riding a bike!
Where they live: Brown bears are incredibly adaptable and can also travel long distances. They prefer undisturbed space that is rich in food and cover and so they tend to choose less-disturbed forested areas [8]. However, they may also be attracted to human food in rubbish bins or fruit trees and bee hives. In 2023, there were about 20.500 bears in Europe [9].
Food: Brown bears are the largest of European predators. But despite their size and strength, they are actually not particularly skilled nor fierce hunters (like the wolverine). As omnivores, they primarily feed on berries, fruits, green plants, nuts as well as insects, carcasses, honey and the occasional game. However, in some regions they may target livestock, especially sheep, as easy prey and that can obviously lead to some controversy [10] [11]. In the autumn, a brown bear eats almost nonstop, stocking up body fat for 3 to 7 months of hibernation.
Behaviour: Bears usually live on their own except for a short period of the year when they find a mate. Female bears are very caring mothers and stay with their cubs for up to three years [12]. Hibernation helps bears to save energy because food is hard to find. They create cosy dens by digging into the groundor natural rock cavities.These dens provide a safe, warm place for their vulnerable cubs that are born during winter. Some bears in warmer places like Croatia and Spain might stay active all year round. The animals’ behaviour is also changing with warmer weather caused by climate change, meaning brown bears may come out earlier [13].
Threats: Brown bears in Europe face threats from poaching (illegal killing) or being hit by cars. Sometimes, roads and buildings are constructed in their habitats (also called ‘habitat fragmentation’), which makes it difficult for them to move around freely or hunt for prey. As a result, groups of brown bears (called populations) can become isolated and cannot meet mates or reproduce. Additionally, many humans have a low tolerance towards brown bears because they can also prey on livestock [14]. Bears with cubs or bears who have become used to humans occasionally attack and have been reported to kill people...! Even if it’s unlikely you will ever encounter a bear in the wild, it’s very important to know how to behave if you do!
Fun fact and special feature: The Eurasian lynx is the third largest predator in Europe [15]. Its special feature are the pointed black tufts of hair on top of its ears. To this day, scientists are still unsure what function they really have... Maybe they improve the lynx’ hearing or keep their ears warm in winter [16]? Because the lynx’ paws are structured like webs, they can walk on snow (look at the picture)!
Where they live: In Europe, Eurasian lynx mostly inhabit forests and thrive in dense woods where there is plenty to hunt, such as deer or other wild ungulates (wild animals with hooves). In northern Scandinavia, the Eurasian lynx can also live in the open tundra [17] (grounds with no trees in cold regions). In 2023, there were about 9.400 individuals, an increase of 12% compared to 2016!
Food: Eurasian lynx are strict carnivores as they only feed on meat. Their diet consists of deer, chamois, birds, small mammals such as hares and foxes, domestic sheep and semi-domestic reindeer in Scandinavia [18] [19].
Behaviour: Lynx are mainly active during dawn and dusk. However, they sometimes hunt during the day, especially when not a lot of food is available. They are solitary animals and choose to live alone except the mothers who care for their kittens [20].
Threats: Eurasian lynx are threatened by poaching and overhunting. When roads and buildings are constructed throughout their habitat, it becomes more difficult for them to move around freely, hunt and find mates. The same happens when farmland is situated in their forest habitats. A small sub-species of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) in the Western Balkans is very endangered because it lives completely isolated, in habitats with little prey and where they are illegally killed [21].
Fun fact... another one? Yes! There is another species of lynx, but this version can only be found in Spain and Portugal, the ‘Iberian Peninsula’. The Iberian lynx almost died out entirely (became extinct) in the 20th century with only around 160 individuals left 25 years ago. But a lot of people got busy to protect them and the good news is that they have made a remarkable comeback with around 2000 Iberian lynx roaming around Spain and Portugal today [22] [23].
Where they live: Iberian lynx like to live in Mediterranean shrublands because they are home to large rabbit populations. But the Iberian lynx also occurs in Mediterranean forests and rangelands (lands that are grazed). Generally, they prefer to be undisturbed and avoid places with a lot of humans [24].
Food: The Iberian lynx is a highly specialized predator, living almost entirely off rabbits that constitute 80-99% of its food intake [25] [26]. However, they can also feed on other small or medium-sized mammals and birds.
Behaviour: Iberian lynxes are mostly night-time adventurers, but their schedule changes with the seasons. In summer, they're active at night and around sunrise and sunset. In winter, you might spot them more during the day. In fact, they are always timing their hunts to match the hours when rabbits are out and about.
Threats: Small populations face threats, including illegal hunting and being hit by cars. If people make changes to their habitats such as cutting down forests, they may be forced out. They are strongly affected by rabbit diseases as this means their food is scarcer. They can also become infected by ‘feral diseases’ spread by sick pets [27].
Fun ‘golden’ facts: Golden jackals are very good hunters, but they are also very adaptable if prey is not available and are able to feed solely off grass [28]! They are between the size of a wolf and a fox, but at 50 cm in height, they are closer to a fox. They get their ’golden’ name because of the colour of their fur (check out the picture)!
Where they live: In Europe, golden jackals prefer to live in heathlands and shrub wetlands. However, they are quite adaptable and can also be found in farmlands, grasslands, areas with little vegetation, and woodlands and forests. They also tend to avoid territories that wolves live in, because these might kill golden jackals [29]. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments helps them spread across the continent towards northern and western Europe [30] [31], but they have lived in Europe for thousands of years already: the oldest golden jackal fossils in Europe were found in Greece and are 7,000 years old!
Food: Golden jackals are not picky eaters! They mostly eat small animals such as mice and rabbits, dead animals and sometimes even human garbage. They also eat fruit and berries. Sometimes, they'll eat larger animals, birds or even young livestock [32].
Learn more about the golden jackal in this short video!
Behaviour: Golden jackals prefer going out at night (they are nocturnal animals) [33]. They stay together with their mate, with whom they usually form a lifelong bond and share many of their activities: foraging, hunting and resting. They often form small packs, like wolves, with up to seven animals [34] [35]. Packs are usually more successful at hunting than single animals and can also catch larger prey [36].
Threats: Golden jackal are legally hunted in many countries, but they may also be victims of poaching or poisoning. Another threat for them is getting hit by cars or if their habitats and feeding areas are changed by people. Despite these threats, golden jackals are quite good at living near human beings [37]. Did you ever see one?
Fun fact - super hiker: Wolves are the second largest predator in Europe after the brown bear. It’s common for young wolves to leave their pack and travel to find their own territory. One European wolf really caught the travel bug and crossed four different countries in less than one year! The entire journey was almost 2000km long and led him through Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Hungary [38]. Myth buster: wolves do not howl at the full moon, but only to communicate with other wolves.
Where they live: Wolves are incredibly adaptable and can make their home in many different kinds of places, provided they have refuge, food and water. They often live in forests and mountains in Europe but aren't limited to these areas as they are also found in tundra (like the wolverine or lynx), mountains, wetlands or even farmland and so quite close to humans.
Food: Wolves are primarily carnivores, mainly hunting wild ungulates (wild animals with hooves such as deer). They can play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by preying on them and help keep diseases like African Swine Fever in check [39]. Wolves are true survival experts and eat whatever is easiest to find in their environment. This means they also prey on small vertebrates, invertebrates, fruits, dead animals (carrion), human garbage or livestock [40] [41]. Preying on livestock causes problems and is of course a source of conflict with farmers.
Learn more about the wolf in this short video!
Behaviour: Wolves are very social animalsand live in family groups called packs that are made up of a male and female parent and their pups from the last years (in Europe, packs count on average 7 animals in total). Each pack has its own territory, an area where they live, hunt and raise their young. All wolves in the pack help to take care of the pups. Between 10 to 22 months of age, young wolves leave their family’s territory to find their own territory and establish their own pack. This process, known as dispersal, can involve traveling thousands of kilometres [42] [43] [44]. Even if it’s highly unlikely you will ever encounter a wolf in the wild, it’s very important to know how to behave if you do!
Threats: Wolf numbers have increased in recent years, but some populations are still small and isolated. Road building through their habitats is a threat and they are fairly frequently hit by cars. In addition, many humans have a low tolerance towards wolves as they prey on livestock or because people are scared of them. This results in conflicts and even illegal killings (poaching). Wolves may also breed with dogs (creating hybrids). This also threatens some populations as the genes mix up and the pups may not have the same characteristics as a wolf [45] [46] [47].
Myth buster: seeing a wolf in the wild does not mean you are its next lunch or dinner, you are not on the menu [48]!
Want to learn more about what Europe is doing about large carnivores? Click here!
Check your facts about large carnivores
Now you have met Europe’s large carnivores! But there’s more... Myths and stories (like Red Riding Hood) have shaped how we think about these animals for centuries. Fear of wolves, bears, and lynx led people to hunt them nearly to extinction over the past centuries. Thanks to nature conservation efforts, protective legislation, increasing amounts of forest or more and more people caring about them, they’ve started to make their comeback!
But then this also brings new challenges: the coexistence of humans with large carnivores. And following the eradication of large carnivores in many parts of Europe, especially wolves, our historic knowledge and practices of living with them has been lost. This is why the Commission encourages and facilitates dialogue and cooperation between interested groups of people to promote best practices on coexistence.
While large carnivores can sometimes indeed be a serious threat — like wolves eating sheep or bears defending their young— their return is also seen as a conservation success. And it’s a chance for us to think about our relationship with them and with nature in general. Have you ever asked yourself why we need the wolf in the first place? Are they not just a dangerous nuisance we should get rid of? But then...why would we not need them? What is their role in the web of life?
Truth is that almost anyone you talk to will have an opinion on the matter. But are they right? Let’s separate facts from fiction and test your knowledge with our quiz or check out our FAQ overview of frequently asked questions.
Other useful links: Misconceptions about the wolf - LIFE Wolfalps EU
Still have questions? Get in touch with us and our team of large carnivore experts via Europe Direct.
Educational materials
Role play game!
It’s a fact: wolves are opportunistic and prey on animals that are an easy catch, like unprotected sheep. And they are fast learners: when successful, they will come back... So what is it like for a farmer who just lost parts of his herd to a wolf, or worse, a pack attack? What about the local mayor who must deal with citizens that are concerned about a wolf near their village? Can you step into the shoes of a nature conservationist, who seeks to protect large carnivores and the places where they live? Or the animal welfare advocate who thinks that no animals should be harmed?
Immerse yourself and take on the challenge of becoming one of those characters and many more in our interactive role play game!
Other materials
For teachers and educators looking to explore the topic of large carnivores together with their students, we have compiled an overview of educational materials related to the topic of large carnivores. They cover different age levels, from nursery to secondary school students. You can find different formats such as role plays, educative brochures/ guidelines, communication campaigns and even a board game! Below are some creative examples from external sources.
LIFE WolfAlps EU - Podcast Young Ranger Programme [Italian]‘The wolf yesterday and today’ is a podcast created within the Young Ranger Programmeof the LIFE WolfAlps EU project. In the two episodes a father and his daughter deal with some of the most complex issues brought into play by the return of the wolf, such as the integrity of ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity and the safeguarding of livestock activities. Find out more here or listen to the podcast.
European Nature Protection ToolkitThis online toolkit is designed to engage students in the conservation and preservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. It includes lesson plans with ready-to-use resources and is organised around four modules: (1) How do we relate to nature? (2) Explore Europe’s nature. (3) How do we protect nature in Europe? (4) Engaging in nature protection. In addition, students learn about the legal framework for nature conservation in Europe and how the European Commission and the EU member states work to protect nature.
Wolves of Yellowstone: Part 2 Student Role Play Materials [English]Prepared by The Nature Conservancy and PBS Learning media
This activity aims to help students understand the complexities and impacts of wildlife management and conservation efforts by letting them play out the scenario that led to the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1994.
Teaching material: "Willkommen zu Hause, Pinselohr!" [German]Prepared by Stiftung Natur und Umwelt Rheinland-Pfalz in cooperation with WWF Germany
Tailored resources for different educational levels on Eurasian lynx conservation and reintroduction.
- Primary School: Includes creative activities, educational games, and exercise sheets focused on engaging young learners in interactive ways.
- Secondary School Level I: Offers educational games, role-playing scenarios, and exercise sheets designed to deepen understanding and interaction with the subject matter.
- Secondary School Level II: Provides an exemplary teaching sequence, outdoor meditation activities, and exercise sheets aimed at more advanced exploration and application of the topic.
Exercises for school from the Big 5 Predator Centre [Swedish]Prepared by Rovdjurscentret De 5 Stora
On the Websites of the Big 5 Predator Centre many different educational materials are provided for different educational levels. These include among others E-lessons on each LC species but also on the relationship between them and humans, with the purpose to increase knowledge about the LCs in Sweden in a light-hearted and interactive way. The website additionally includes a diverse variety of out- and indoor exercises such as “Sneaking like a lynx” which is aimed at preschool children and aims to awaken children's interest in large carnivores. There are also a bunch of different study questions available for the Grades 4-9 on for example the history of LC species in Sweden or on carnivores and reindeer which aims at increasing the participants' knowledge of the problems that LCs can cause to reindeer husbandry and the conflict that can then arise between reindeer owners and LCs.
The science-based Board Game “The Lone Wolf” [Finnish and English]Prepared by Doctoral Researchers, Ekaterina Karabanina and Dominika Bujnakova from the University of Oulu
This board game is centred around the grey wolf and based on scientific facts to educate children about nature through play. It explores the challenges wolves face as top predators, including human conflicts and environmental pressures, fostering understanding of their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems while also introducing the conflicts that may arise from their presence.
EDU-WILDLIFE: Learning Portal for ESD – Wolf, Bear and Lynx in FocusPrepared by SCHUBZ Environmental Education Center Lüneburg
The SCHUBZ Environmental Education Center's EDU-Wildlife initiative educates young people in Lower Saxony and Romania about the role of large carnivores such as wolves, bears, and lynxes in modern Europe. It seeks to raise awareness among youth about reducing human-wildlife conflicts. The initiative includes school lessons, project weeks, wildlife clubs, and a MOOC with videos and educational content, all emphasizing sustainable development and biodiversity conservation
You can find a complete overview of all educational materials collected here.
Get involved: the networks
Would you like to connect to other like-minded young people and work towards nature conservation together? There is a variety of youth networks that you could join, like the ones listed below!
EUROPARC Junior Ranger programmeJunior Rangers is a non-formal education programme for children and teenagers (12-18 years) that live either within or in close proximity to Protected Areas. It offers a variety of activities, adapted to the local context that can range from environmental education, park maintenance to excursions and outdoor sports.
If you want to find your nearest protected area, you can use the Natura 2000 viewer!
EUROPARC Youth+ ProgrammeThis programme is aimed at young adults (18-25 years) that are interested in becoming ambassadors of their local Protected Areas. It is based on learning components of communication, advocacy, leadership and nature conservation activities.
The European Young Rewilders (EYR) is the youth network of the organisation "Rewilding Europe" and provides a platform that facilitates capacity-building, sharing of experiences and knowledge on rewilding, and empowering young professionals and enthusiasts across Europe to become active players in the rewilding movement. The EYR envisions a future in which young people can benefit from and are engaged in a wilder nature, which is valued and considered as crucial for a prosperous and healthy society. Do you want to help make this vision a reality?
YOUTH4NATUREYouth4Nature (Y4N) is a youth-led, youth driven international non-profit organisation that aims to educate, equip and establish young people on system-wide solutions for the nature and climate crises.
International Young Naturefriends (IYNF)The IYNF connects young people from Europe and beyond through camps, seminars, trainings and exchange programs. It focuses on different topics.