The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) has approved the canton of Ticino’s request to regulate the wolf pack in the Valle di Blenio. The canton is authorized to release one young wolf for culling.
Justification for the culling request
Following confirmation of the birth of two pups in the current year, the canton of Ticino submitted a request to the FOEN on 3 November 2022 for regulation of the wolf pack in the Valle di Blenio. The justification cited the killing of two cattle by the wolves. The canton aims to bring about a change in the pack’s behaviour through the culling.
The FOEN approved the request on 23 November 2022. The canton of Ticino may now, pursuant to Article 4bis paragraph 1 of the Hunting Ordinance authorize the culling of one young wolf to regulate the pack. The culling order is to be limited until 31 March 2023. Cullings must take place in the vicinity of livestock herds and in the presence of several wolves in order to achieve a change in the pack’s behaviour.
Wolves in Switzerland
The wolf population in Switzerland is growing. Currently, approximately 200 wolves and 23 packs live in Switzerland. In view of the challenges facing alpine farming, the Federal Council wishes to further facilitate wolf cullings in addition to the provisions amended in 2021. In doing so, it takes into account the proposals agreed upon by 14 conservation and land-use organisations.
On 9 November 2022, the Federal Council opened the consultation process on the corresponding revision of the Hunting Ordinance. It runs until 23 February 2023. The amendments are intended to enter into force for the 2023 alpine summer season.
Parliament is also currently deliberating a new proposal to amend the federal Hunting Act. This is intended to enable proactive regulation of wolf populations. In September 2020, the Swiss electorate rejected.
Responsibilities remain unchanged: The cantons are responsible for ordering the shooting of individual animals that cause damage. If they wish to intervene in a pack, the approval of the FOEN is required.
Dossier: Wolf in Switzerland: Facts, Politics and the Limits of Hunting
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