The Graubünden parliamentary vote has set the canton on a collision course with federal laws that protect wolves and only allow selective culling of problem animals.
In the past, hunters have been allowed to cull certain members of the Beverin wolf pack, which is responsible for attacking a growing number of sheep and cows in the region.
But the interventions have failed to change the pack’s behaviour and local politicians appear to have lost patience with the situation.
On Tuesday, the Graubünden parliament ignored appeals for restraint from the local government and passed a motion to kill the entire pack by 73 votes to 39.
It is unclear how the cantonal decision will be viewed by the federal authorities that have responsibility for conserving and controlling wolves across the country.
Wolves started returning to Switzerland in 1995 having been hunted to extinction in the late 19th century.
Today, some 20 packs with around 180 wolves live in Switzerland and along the Italian and French borders. Wildlife observers estimate that Switzerland will have 50 packs and a total of 350 wolves by 2025.
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
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?
Sylvain Saudan, ‘skier of the impossible’, dies aged 87
This content was published on
The Swiss father of extreme skiing pioneered descents from the Alps to the Himalayas – and became the sport’s first star.
Hayek family buys additional Swatch shares for nearly CHF11 million
This content was published on
Following the acquisition of registered shares worth over CHF20.6 million on Monday, the Hayek family made another purchase on Tuesday.
Suicide capsule to be used in Switzerland this year, says euthanasia organisation
This content was published on
The organisation “The Last Resort” has confirmed that the suicide capsule Sarco is to be used in Switzerland. This should happen this year, it said.
Ukrainian children flown to Switzerland for cancer treatment
This content was published on
The Swiss air rescue service Rega flew two Ukrainian children with cancer to Switzerland from a hospital in Kyiv hit by Russian missiles.
Swiss Solidarity raises over CHF10 million for victims of extreme weather
This content was published on
The money raised will be used to help those affected by the recent storms and flooding in the cantons of Ticino, Graubünden, and Valais.
Swiss giant Roche given green light for lung cancer drug in Canada
This content was published on
According to a recent study, Roche’s Alecensaro reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 76% compared to chemotherapy alone.
Swiss luxury watch market hit hard by China-led slump
This content was published on
Sales of Swiss-made luxury watches are in sharp retreat as nervous consumers reconsider splashing out on expensive timepieces and demand slumps.
Swiss issue another green light to cull troublesome wolf pack
This content was published on
The Swiss authorities have granted a third canton permission to cull a problematic wolf pack responsible for attacks on sheep.
Mother of Switzerland’s first wolf pack is still alive
This content was published on
The female wolf that started the first pack in Switzerland since these animals returned is still alive and at least 12 years old.
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.