First officially authorized wolf shot in Styria

Background of the Culling Authorization

The responsible experts subsequently classified the animal as a so-called "problem wolf" (Schadwolf) under the Styrian Wolf Ordinance. The cull was permitted until July 28 within a radius of ten kilometers around the last kill site. This was intended to prevent further livestock from being harmed by the predator.

Agricultural State Councillor Simone Schmiedtbauer (ÖVP) assessed the removal as confirmation of the chosen path. In a press release, she stated: „Die erste Entnahme zeigt, dass ein praxistauglicherer Zugang auch die entsprechenden Resultate bringt. Wir wollen kein Tier ausrotten, aber wir wollen wirksamen Schutz für unsere Alm- und Weidewirtschaft. Genau diesem Ziel dient dieser Abschuss."

Reaction of the Agricultural State Councillor

Schmiedtbauer also thanked the hunters involved on site. „Danke an alle Jägerinnen und Jäger vor Ort, die sich dieser schwierigen Aufgabe professionell angenommen haben", according to the statement by the Agricultural State Councillor. The State of Styria spoke of a professional implementation of the official order.

Whether the animal shot on Sunday is the culprit is to be determined by analyses. DNA samples from the killed wolf were sent to the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna for this purpose. Only the genetic examination can provide definitive proof of whether the shot animal was actually responsible for the documented kills.

Pending DNA Analysis

The incident occurred in a region where the wolf's return has been a subject of debate for months. Alpine and pasture farming in the Alps depends on intact herds, which is why every documented kill has both economic and emotional consequences for the affected farms. The Styrian Wolf Ordinance provides a graduated procedure for such cases, which can ultimately lead to a culling authorization under certain conditions.

Following the incidents in the spring and early summer of 2026, the authorities had initiated a procedure in which the experts assessed the situation on site. Based on this assessment, the formal culling authorization was issued at the beginning of July. The deadline for the removal ran until July 28, meaning the success was achieved within the first few days after authorization.

According to the state, the wolf had been active in the area since June. In addition to the confirmed kills of more than ten sheep, the authorities assume that the animal killed a higher, previously undocumented number of livestock. This assessment is supported by the accumulation of incidents in the same area.

With the cull, a chapter of Styrian wolf policy that had shaped the debate between nature conservation, agriculture, and authorities since the spring of 2026 comes to an end. The Styrian state government had presented the cull as a necessary step to protect livestock while not fundamentally calling into question the wolf population in Austria.

Significance for Wolf Management

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences will evaluate the genetic samples in the coming weeks. Should it be confirmed that the shot animal was responsible for the kills, the case would be closed from the authorities' perspective. Should the DNA analysis, however, identify a different animal, the culling authorization would formally remain in place, as the deadline does not expire until the end of July.

The case history goes back to May. At that time, wolf detections were first recorded in the area around the Gumpeneck, which were later corroborated by kills of sheep. The responsible authorities documented the incidents and initiated the necessary steps in accordance with the Styrian Wolf Ordinance.

The culling authorization itself was tied to several conditions. In addition to the spatial restriction to a radius of ten kilometers around the last kill site, the measure was limited in time. The hunters on site had to comply with the official requirements and report the cull to the responsible authorities.

From the state government's perspective, the case is a signal for dealing with so-called "problem wolves." Schmiedtbauer pointed out that the removal is not aimed at a general hunting of wolves, but is specifically focused on protecting alpine and pasture farming. The Styrian Wolf Ordinance remains the legal basis.

The reporting on the incident was picked up by, among others, the Austria Press Agency (APA). The State of Styria simultaneously informed through official channels about the execution of the culling authorization. This made the case known beyond the state's borders.