Young wolves in Vaud and Valais to be shot

The FOEN has approved the regulation requests from the cantons of Vaud and Valais, allowing them to issue shooting orders.

Marchairuz and Val d'Hérens packs affected

In the canton of Vaud, the matter concerns two young wolves from the Marchairuz pack; in the canton of Valais, two young wolves from the pack in Val d'Hérens.

On 3 August 2021, the canton of Vaud submitted a request to the FOEN for regulation of the wolf pack at Marchairuz. This was justified by the increasing attacks on cattle herds and the killing of at least two six-month-old calves.

Based on its review of the submitted documents, the FOEN approved the request on the basis of the Hunting Act and the revised Hunting Ordinance, which came into effect in mid-July 2021.

Canton of Valais also permitted to order culling

On 9 August 2021, the canton of Valais submitted a request to the FOEN for regulation of the wolf pack in Val d'Hérens. After reviewing the relevant documents, the FOEN also approved this request.

Of sheep farmers and vague authorities

Wolves in Switzerland

Currently around 130 wolves and at least 10 packs live in Switzerland; the numbers are increasing. The revised Hunting Act was rejected by the Swiss electorate in September 2020.In doing so, the electorate also specifically rejected the preventive shooting of wolves.

To address the difficult situation in areas with rapidly growing wolf populations, the Federal Council amended the hunting ordinance on 30 June 2021, effective 15 July 2021. The threshold for shooting wolves was significantly lowered. At the same time, conditions were improved to strengthen livestock protection.

Dossier: Wolf in Switzerland: Facts, Policy and the Limits of Hunting