Wolves have attacked a second cow in the eastern Swiss canton of Graubünden, five days after the previous attack. The animal had to be euthanised due to severe injuries. The news was confirmed by the cantonal hunting and fishing office on Friday.
The wolves are suspected to belong to the Piz Beverin pack. Last weekend, several wolves from the same pack killed a cow on a mountain pasture in the region. The attack provoked an outcry from the farmers’ and alpine farmers’ associations. They are demanding that the entire pack on Piz Beverin be culled.
Attacks on livestock have previously targeted sheep and goats. Farmers in the region are alarmed that wolves are now starting to tackle cows.
On Friday, authorities in the southern canton of Valais ordered the shooting of a wolf in the Val d’Illiez region near the French border. The animal has killed twelve livestock on mountain pastures in the area. Four wolves have already been culled in the canton this year.
The revised Swiss federal law on hunting, which came into force in July 2021, allows a wolf to be shot as soon as it has killed at least ten sheep or goats over a period of four months on protected or unprotected mountain pastures.
“The conditions for shooting are therefore fulfilled,” the Valais cantonal government said in a statement on Friday.
The canton’s hunting, fishing and wildlife service will have sixty days to cull the wolf.
There are currently about 130 wolves and at least 11 packs in Switzerland. They are estimated to kill around 300-500 sheep and goats per year.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign affairs
European nations snub Swiss-made weapons over Ukraine restrictions
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
This content was published on
St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
This content was published on
After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
This content was published on
A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
This content was published on
Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
This content was published on
A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
This content was published on
According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
Swiss couple sentenced for enslaving two housekeepers
This content was published on
A 46-year-old Swiss man has received a three year sentence, including nine months in jail, for exploiting, locking up and handcuffing two housekeepers he brought to Switzerland between 2018 and 2019.
Zurich Film Festival drops screening of ‘Russians at War’ documentary
This content was published on
The organisers of the Zurich Film Festival have decided not to show the controversial documentary Russians at War due to "safety considerations",
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
This content was published on
The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
This content was published on
A game warden in Switzerland has shot dead a wolf without prior permission because the animal appeared to be stalking people.
This content was published on
Switzerland is experiencing the summer of the wolf as reports of new attacks and sightings roll in from around the country.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.