Wolf in Vorarlberg released for shooting - security for farmers!

Wolf in Vorarlberg released for shooting - security for farmers!

Bludenz, Österreich - In a significant step, Vorarlberg has released a wolf for shooting. This decision, which is due to the growing conflicts between wolves and farm animals, was made by the District Centers Bludenz and Feldkirch. The initiative was taken after several cracks by sheep and goats in the communities of St. Gerold and Thuringia, where four animals were killed last weekend (July 12th and 13th), another had to be slaughtered and several animals had to be supplied with injured. Three sheep have disappeared since then. According to [GMX] (https://www.gmx.at/magazine/politik/vorarlberg-wolf-s- 41188760), this measure is based on the wolf management ordinance of the country, which enables it to be hunting on the wolf in wild regions such as the Großwalsertal and the Frödischtal-Later Valley-Düngersberg.

The wolf population has grown in recent years, and these developments ensure concern among farmers and animal owners. In order to control the situation, the regulation will apply in 53 hunting areas by the end of September. State Councilor Christian Gantner (ÖVP) also emphasizes the need to further develop the legal options for faster and preventive handling of such conflicts.

coordination and prevention

In order to ensure regular use of wolves, the state of Vorarlberg has launched a coordination group that defines preventive measures and procedures. This group is headed by wild ecologist DI Hubert Schatz, who is advisable to advise on wolf sightings and cracks. The group meets regularly to exchange information about current developments and will be informed immediately when it comes to evidence by Luchs, Wolf or Bär. According to vorarlberg.at, a crack database for large-scale rave was also set up, which facilitates the exchange about incidents and their documentation.

A leaflet for dealing with wolves in the settlement area is available for download, and 39 herd protection projects have already been supported, which were funded in 2023 with over 93,000 euros. In addition, the coordination group regularly informs farmers and alpine owners about the protection of their animals, especially in the period before alpine lift.

recommendations for better handling

The recommendations for wolf management that were developed between July 2020 and May 2021 bring important standards for dealing with wolves in special situations. These recommendations defined by the Working Group of the Austria Center Bär, Wolf, Luchs replace the soon outdated document from 2012 and define clear goals and principles for wolf management in Austria. The central topic here is herd protection, the basic features of which are part of this comprehensive management, as bär-wolf-luchs.at.

POSSION COMMUNTIONS require a good degree of caution and proactive strategies. The coordination group aims to establish a conflict -free coexistence between humans and animals and to minimize the risks for livestock farming as well as to protect the natural habitats of these fascinating wildlife.