The government of Asturias has announced the suspension of its planned wolf hunts for this year after the Supreme Court ruled against previous hunting quotas set for 2022 and 2023. The court found that the removal of 53 wolves, as outlined in the management program approved by the regional government, was not compliant with legal standards, prompting a cease in the hunts. Currently, 31 wolves have been killed in this campaign among a total population of approximately 345, with another 11 having died from other causes such as accidents and poaching, bringing the total to 42, which is around 80% of the initial target.

The decision to suspend hunts comes amidst rising tensions surrounding wildlife management and conservation efforts in Spain, particularly concerning the protection of the wolf population, which has faced challenges due to habitat loss and hunting pressures. The government of Asturias has indicated plans to revise the legal framework governing wolf management in order to align it with the ruling and provide necessary legal guarantees to ensure future programs can be developed without further legal challenges. The Supreme Court's ruling is seen as a significant development in the ongoing dialogue between conservationists and those advocating for regulated hunting as a means of wildlife population control.

This halt in hunting activities may have broader implications for the relationship between local government policies and environmental regulations in Spain. As public outcry over wildlife protection grows, Asturias's response to the ruling could influence how other regions approach similar wildlife management issues. The evolving situation will likely attract attention from both conservation advocates and hunting associations, underscoring the complexity of managing shared spaces where human interests and wildlife conservation intersect.