According to the State Forest Service (SFS), an analysis conducted jointly with the Silava Forest Research Institute showed that the number of wolves in the country remains stable, and regulated hunting does not threaten the conservation of the species. For this reason, the limit for the 2026/2027 season has been increased from 370 to 400 animals. The territory of Latvia, as in the previous year, is divided into two management zones. In Zone A, where wolves are permanently present, up to 330 animals can be hunted. Hunting here will continue until the limit is reached, but no later than March 31. In Zone B, where wolves are encountered significantly less frequently, the limit is set at 70 animals. The season will end after this limit is reached or on December 31. After the main quota is used, the SFS may separately allow the hunting of an additional ten wolves if necessary. Such permits will only be issued to prevent damage, protect the population, or in other exceptional cases. Although the wolf is classified as a specially protected species with limited use in Latvia, its population remains high. Experts estimate that there are currently about 1,400 wolves in the country. When determining the limits, not only the population status is taken into account, but also the damage that predators cause to livestock. Since the beginning of the year, the State Forest Service has confirmed 24 cases of wolf attacks on domestic livestock, resulting in the death or injury of 67 animals. In the entire previous year, 82 such attacks were recorded, affecting 372 domestic animals. For this reason, farm owners are urged to report all such cases. Only those incidents that are confirmed by SFS specialists are taken into account. At the same time, the hunting season for the golden (common) jackal officially opened today. This species is considered atypical for the Latvian fauna and is not subject to the limit system. Hunting jackals is allowed until March 31. In the previous season, 43 golden jackals were hunted in Latvia. Additionally, from July 15, hunting for female and calf red deer is permitted. The hunting season for young males under two years old will begin on August 15. According to the State Forest Service, the population of red deer in Latvia is about 61,000 animals. It is noted that the decline in numbers observed in recent years has ceased. In the previous season, hunters harvested more than 30,000 red deer, which is about 86% of the established limit. The new hunting season will last until spring 2027, and the State Forest Service will continue to monitor the status of populations and may adjust the existing limits if necessary.