Federal administration assures wolf regulation measures are working

Switzerland's federal administration asserts that its wolf management strategy, particularly the implementation of proactive culling, is yielding positive results. A report from the Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV) indicates that the rapid expansion of the wolf population has been curbed. During the regulatory period from September 2025 to January 2026, authorities authorized the culling of 115 wolves, with 77 animals ultimately being shot. This marks the third time cantons have been empowered to intervene proactively, aiming to prevent damage before it occurs. While the number of wolf packs present in Switzerland continues to rise, reaching 30 exclusively Swiss packs and 10 trans-border packs, the OFEV suggests that the exponential growth trend is decelerating. This nuanced outcome is crucial for Switzerland, a country with a high density of livestock and a long tradition of alpine farming. The reduction in livestock attacks, which have returned to levels seen in 2020-2021, is a significant development, offering some relief to farmers. However, the OFEV cautions that this trend needs to be confirmed over several more regulatory periods. The ongoing debate reflects a delicate balance between conservation efforts and the protection of agricultural livelihoods, a challenge deeply felt in the Swiss countryside.

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The measures for regulating the wolf, particularly proactive culling, are bearing fruit.