Valais Authorizes Wolf Culling After Seven Livestock Deaths

In a decisive move to protect its agricultural sector, the canton of Valais has officially ordered the culling of a wolf in the Visperterminen region. Christophe Darbellay, head of the Valais Department of Economy and Education, issued the directive after the predator was confirmed to have killed seven valuable farm animals. These attacks occurred on protected agricultural land, highlighting the escalating conflict between wildlife conservation and the livelihoods of local farmers.

The decision to authorize the shooting is firmly rooted in Switzerland's federal hunting law, specifically the ordinance (OChP). This legislation permits the individual culling of a wolf if it has killed at least six sheep or goats within a four-month period. The Valais cantonal authorities, through the Service of Hunting, Fishing, and Fauna (SCPF) and the Service of Agriculture (SCA), conducted a thorough analysis of the situation before issuing the 60-day authorization. This period ensures that the measure remains in effect as long as livestock are present in the designated area and the risk of further damage persists.

While the SCPF has confirmed the presence of a wolf pair in the Visperterminen area, no reproduction was documented in 2025, precluding proactive regulatory measures. This reactive approach, triggered by the significant livestock losses, underscores the ongoing challenges of managing predator populations in Switzerland. The publication of this order in the official bulletin of the canton of Valais signifies a clear stance: the protection of both agricultural heritage and the economic stability of its farming communities takes precedence when faced with such direct threats. This situation is viewed locally not just as an isolated incident, but as part of a broader, often contentious, debate about predator management that resonates deeply within Swiss rural communities, who often feel their concerns are not fully understood by urban centers or international conservation bodies.

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This latter allows the individual shooting of a wolf from six sheep or goats killed over a period of four months.