Tyrol issues new culling order for wolf after sheep killings in Kaunertal

Background to the sheep killings

To further clarify other possible causes, swab samples were taken and sent to the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology and Medicine (Forschungsinstitut für Wildtierkunde und Ökologie) at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. The institute specialises in genetic analyses and the scientific processing of wildlife samples and is intended to clarify whether, in addition to the wolf, other factors may explain the damage.

The office of the responsible district captain stated that the situation on the ground had been assessed and the legal requirements for a culling order had been deemed met. A spokesperson pointed out that the order was limited to the specifically affected area and a clearly defined period. In addition, the authorised persons would only act after prior approval and in compliance with animal welfare regulations.

The history of the so-called "problem wolf" issue in Tyrol goes back several years. Alpine farmers had repeatedly complained about losses caused by wolves, while nature conservation organisations pointed to the danger that permanent hunting poses to Austria's already small wolf population. The State of Tyrol had issued culling orders several times in recent years, each limited in time and place.

Investigation at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

In the current case, the incident occurred in the Peilstein area, a region known for alpine farming in the Kaunertal. Shepherds had reported the new killings, prompting the district authority to initiate the necessary steps. The order provides that individual wolves classified as behaviourally conspicuous may be legally removed in the designated area.

The Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology and Medicine in Vienna is expected to evaluate the submitted samples in the coming weeks. The results could provide indications of other possible causes and form the basis for subsequent decisions by the state. The culling order remains in force until the findings are available.

Reactions from conservation and agriculture

Conservation organisations announced that they would critically monitor the new order. They point to the wolf's strict protection status under European law and to possible scope for further expanding non-lethal protective measures such as livestock protection. The State of Tyrol stated in response that while livestock protection measures are being promoted, individual cullings are to remain a complementary instrument in management.

According to the authority, the duration of the culling order is tied to the progress of the investigations and the availability of the samples. Should it turn out that the previously assumed culprit cannot be identified with certainty, the order could be extended or revoked. For now, it applies to the municipal area of Pfund in the Landeck district.