Wolf Wolves released for preventive shooting for five months

From September 1 and until the end of January, the cantons can once again obtain approval from the federal government for the preventive shooting of wolves under defined conditions. This means that wolves may also be shot before they cause damage.

The cantons must submit applications to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) to regulate wolf packs. Applications have already been received from the cantons of Graubünden, St. Gallen, Ticino, Vaud and Valais, as the Office announced on Friday.

The FOEN is now examining these applications, after which it will either approve or reject them. If they are approved, the cantons, which are responsible for implementing the regulations, can order the culls. The legal basis for preventive shooting is part of the revised Hunting Act.

The canton of Graubünden had already announced in mid-August that it intended to shoot two thirds of all this year's young wolves and two entire wolf packs in the fall and winter. In total, at least 35 of the approximately 120 wolves living in Graubünden are involved.