A new report reveals that poaching is a major threat to wolves in Switzerland, with more than one in seven deceased wolves found to be victims of illegal hunting.
Switzerland Wolves Under Threat: Alarming Poaching Report
The research, conducted by the program “Rundschau,” marks the most extensive investigation into the issue of poaching in Switzerland. It found that out of the 128 wolves found dead in Switzerland from 1998 to the end of August 2023, 11 were confirmed to have been killed illegally. Furthermore, eight other wolves, initially reported as legally shot or victims of traffic accidents, were later determined to have been illegally shot.
The Federal Office for the Environment, Bafu, corroborates these statistics. However, it’s important to note that not all deceased wolves are discovered, suggesting that the actual number of poaching incidents may be even higher.
The report highlights the complex and contentious nature of wolf-human interactions in Switzerland. Farmers, in particular, often face economic losses due to wolf attacks on their livestock, which can lead to tensions and conflicts with wildlife conservation efforts.
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The case of Matthias Schnyder, who shot and killed a wolf in 2022, exemplifies this dilemma. Two nights before the shooting, the wolf had attacked a portion of his sheep flock, resulting in numerous casualties. The traumatic experience weighed heavily on Schnyder, who was deeply concerned for his livestock and had difficulty sleeping.
In response, he took an unauthorized rifle equipped with a scope and went to his stable. When the wolf reappeared, Schnyder made the fatal shot from a distance of 50 meters. In hindsight, he acknowledged that he might have used non-lethal methods to deter the wolf, but in the heat of the moment, he felt compelled to protect his sheep. Social media responses to his actions were polarized, with some celebrating him as a hero and others condemning him as a poacher.
Ultimately, Schnyder faced legal consequences for his actions, being convicted of poaching and violating weapons laws. Despite his legal transgressions, he remains convinced that he acted morally in safeguarding his sheep.
The complex relationship between humans and wolves in Switzerland reflects the broader challenges of wildlife conservation and coexistence, with competing interests often pitting the protection of endangered species against the livelihoods and well-being of rural communities.
Source: SRF