Linz, Austria — April 29, 2026 Upper Austria wolf culling not planned despite population growth Upper Austrian officials confirm there are no current plans for preventive wolf culling despite the region hosting four established wolf packs and seasonal movements of approximately 40 wolves, primarily in the Mühlviertel area.
Wolf Population and Monitoring Efforts
Upper Austria’s wolf population has become increasingly visible, with 99 reported sightings in 2025 alone, according to corroborated data from two sources. The region’s four resident wolf packs are concentrated in the Mühlviertel, a non-alpine area bordering Czechia, where wildlife officials have observed sustained territorial behavior. Since 2023, two wolves have been removed from the population, though authorities have not specified whether these were lethal removals or relocations.
In autumn 2025, officials implemented a densified wolf monitoring program in pack territories to better track movements and mitigate conflicts. The program aims to provide early warnings to livestock owners and document wolf activity more systematically. "The goal is coexistence, not eradication," a wildlife spokesperson noted, emphasizing that current strategies prioritize non-lethal interventions like fencing and livestock guardian dogs.
Livestock Attacks and Damage Assessments
Despite monitoring efforts, wolf-related incidents persist. In 2025, damage assessors were deployed 48 times, confirming eight attacks on livestock that resulted in the deaths of 17 animals. These figures represent a slight increase from previous years, reflecting both growing wolf numbers and improved reporting mechanisms.