Canton of Bern: 2019 was a quiet year for wolves

The canton of Bern has released information about wolf kills of livestock in 2019.

Last year, significantly fewer livestock were killed by a wolf than in previous years. In four incidents, a wolf (M 76) killed six livestock animals. For comparison: in 2018, 30 livestock animals were killed, and in 2017 the number was 65.

In those years, various wolves were responsible for the kills. In three of the four incidents in 2019, the livestock were not protected. In one incident, the animals were fenced in, but the fence did not meet the requirements for herd protection.

How many wolves were present in the canton of Bern in 2019 cannot be stated with certainty. Based on sightings and kills, it can be assumed that there were at least two, but possibly as many as four wolves.

The activities of the male wolf M 76 in the upper Emmental region and the area around the Brienzergrat are the best documented. Reports and genetic evidence suggest that no other wolves were present in the same area. M 76 has been living in this area for three years.

All reports of wolf sightings are assessed for any potentially conspicuous behaviour by the animal. The incidents reported last year could all be classified as unremarkable behaviour based on the defined criteria.