High Electric Nettings: An Effective Tool to Prevent Large Carnivore Damages

The Slovenia Forest Service analyzed methods for preventing damages caused by large carnivores and reducing conflicts with livestock breeders and beekeepers. The results show that, in the last 15 years in Slovenia, high electric nettings (145–170 cm in height) have been the most effective method. Among those using this measure, 89% of livestock breeders and 98% of beekeepers reported no damages after implementation.

Since 2015, an intervention system has also been in place to assist farmers with intervention kits, usually implemented immediately after a large carnivore attack on livestock to prevent further losses. So far, 93 farmers have received such kits along with guidance on conflict prevention and coexistence with large carnivores.

Large carnivores are a vital part of our forests, but they can cause conflicts with human activities. The key to coexistence lies in efficient protective measures—such as high electric nettings, livestock guarding dogs, or shepherds—combined with their proper use, timely response to damages, and balanced population management in line with legislation.

Within the LIFE Wild Wolf project, we aim to prevent conflicts with wolves near human settlements. In many cases, pastures for goats and sheep are located close to small villages. Therefore, the promotion and distribution of high electric nettings in Slovenia has been focused on these areas. The Forest Service distributed nine sets of high electric nettings in conflict hot-spots with wolves in recent years. In some cases, the areas were also monitored with camera traps to confirm whether carnivores remained in the vicinity of pastures.

We are keeping wolves wild and livestock safe.

The full report (in Slovenian language) is available on www-varna-pasa.si.