Across Europe, wildlife is making a remarkable comeback. From wolves roaming mountain ranges to bears reclaiming ancient forests, the return of nature is an encouraging sign that conservation efforts are working. But as wildlife populations recover, a key question emerges for communities, local authorities, and conservation groups: how do we coexist successfully with wild animals?

A new guide aims to provide the answers.

“Living Well with Wildlife”, developed by Rewilding Europe in collaboration with the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, is now available online. Designed for local authorities, protected area managers, NGOs, and community groups, this practical resource focuses on turning wildlife comeback into a real opportunity for people and nature alike.

Why this guide matters

Wildlife recovery is one of the great conservation successes of recent decades. However, coexistence requires planning, knowledge, and collaboration. Communities living alongside wildlife often face challenges, from livestock protection to adapting tourism and land management.

“Living Well with Wildlife” helps address these challenges by offering practical tools and real-world solutions that can be adapted to different landscapes and regions.

What you’ll find inside the guide

The guide is designed to be highly practical and accessible. Inside, readers will discover:

• Replicable tools and strategies to help communities manage coexistence with wildlife

• Factsheets on 18 key wildlife species, providing essential information for local decision-making

• Ready-to-use templates and operational models that organisations can apply directly in their work

• Case studies from real communities already living successfully with returning wildlife

Turning wildlife recovery into opportunity

When managed well, wildlife return can bring economic, ecological, and social benefits. From nature-based tourism to healthier ecosystems, coexistence strategies can help communities thrive alongside wildlife rather than view it as a challenge.

This guide provides the knowledge and tools needed to make that transition possible.

Download the guide

If you work in conservation, local government, land management, or community development, this guide is a valuable resource to support practical action.

📘 Download “Living Well with Wildlife” and start exploring how coexistence can work in practice.

🔗 https://schoolof.rewildingeurope.com/course/living-well-with-wildlife 

Together, we can move the conversation beyond whether coexistence is possible, and focus on how to do it well.