Key Points
- Hunters and gamekeepers in the eastern Swiss canton of Graubünden killed 35 wolves during the regulation phase from September 2025 to January 2026.
- This figure represents 13 fewer wolves than the 48 culled in the previous regulation phase (September 2024 to January 2025).
- Thirty-two wolves from ten packs were killed as part of the preventive cull authorised under the revised Swiss Hunting Act.
- An additional three individual wolves were culled due to behavioural problems.
- The cull nearly exhausted the quota of two-thirds of the young animals authorised by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
- Graubünden submitted the most applications for culls to the FOEN, followed by Ticino and Valais cantons.
- Authorities state the aim is to enable coexistence between humans and wolves by reducing livestock damage and making wolves shyer towards humans.
- The Office for Hunting and Fishing noted that wolves are becoming shyer as a result, though multi-year data is needed to assess long-term effects on pack presence.
- This was the second regulatory phase under the revised Hunting Act allowing preventive culls.
- In the prior phase, Graubünden culled 48 wolves, with 44 shot by gamekeepers and four by trained hunters.
- The proactive regulation seeks to lower livestock attacks during grazing seasons.
Graubünden (Cardiff Daily) February 03, 2026 – Hunters and gamekeepers in the eastern Swiss canton of Graubünden have culled 35 wolves during the latest regulation phase from September 2025 to January 2026, marking a reduction from the previous year’s efforts, as reported by the canton’s Office for Hunting and Fishing. The action forms part of Switzerland’s strategy under the revised Hunting Act to foster coexistence between wolves and local communities by targeting young wolves and problematic individuals. Authorities emphasise that the culls aim to mitigate livestock losses while monitoring the wolves’ behavioural adaptations.
- Key Points
- How Many Wolves Were Killed in Graubünden’s Latest Cull?
- What Breakdown Exists for the Culled Wolves?
- Why Was This the Second Regulatory Phase?
- What Quota Did Graubünden Reach This Year?
- Are Wolves Becoming Shyer Due to Culls?
- What Is the Aim of These Wolf Culls?
- How Does This Cull Compare to Previous Years?
- Which Cantons Applied Most for Culls?
- What Role Does the Revised Hunting Act Play?
- What Challenges Remain for Wolf Management?
- How Are Hunters Involved in Graubünden?
How Many Wolves Were Killed in Graubünden’s Latest Cull?
As detailed in the official statement from Keystone-SDA on February 3, 2026, precisely 35 wolves were killed during the regulation period spanning September to January. This comprised 32 wolves from ten packs, culled preventively, and three lone wolves addressed for behavioural issues. The Office for Hunting and Fishing of canton Graubünden confirmed these figures on Tuesday, noting the cull fell 13 short of the prior season’s 48 wolves.
The reduction aligns with the authorised quota, nearly exhausting two-thirds of the young animals approved by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). Graubünden led with the highest number of cull applications to the FOEN, ahead of Ticino and Valais.
What Breakdown Exists for the Culled Wolves?
Of the total, 32 originated from ten distinct packs, reflecting a targeted approach to pack regulation. The remaining three were individual wolves exhibiting problematic behaviour, justifying their removal outside pack contexts.
Why Was This the Second Regulatory Phase?
This cull marked the second phase under the revised Swiss Hunting Act, which empowers cantons to conduct preventive removals. Keystone-SDA reports that cantons gained authorisation for these measures to manage wolf populations proactively.
In the preceding phase (September 2024 to January 2025), Graubünden achieved 48 culls, as announced by the canton and covered by Bluewin on March 10, 2025. There, 44 wolves were shot by the Wildlife Agency (gamekeepers), with four by cantonal hunters following mandatory training evenings.
What Quota Did Graubünden Reach This Year?
The Office for Hunting and Fishing stated that the cull “almost exhausted” the FOEN-authorised quota of two-thirds of young animals. This targeted approach focuses on juveniles to curb pack growth without endangering the overall population.
Comparatively, last season’s higher cull of 48 wolves also aimed at quota fulfilment, reducing livestock predation risks for the grazing season ahead.
Are Wolves Becoming Shyer Due to Culls?
According to the Office for Hunting and Fishing, wolves in Graubünden are “becoming shyer” post-cull, described as a “desired effect.” However, officials caution that conclusive assessment of impacts on pack presence requires data spanning multiple years.
This behavioural shift supports the goal of minimising human-wolf conflicts, particularly livestock attacks.
What Is the Aim of These Wolf Culls?
The primary objective, as articulated by Graubünden authorities, is “for humans and wolves to coexist.” Keystone-SDA quotes the Office for Hunting and Fishing emphasising reduced agricultural conflicts and heightened wariness in wolves.
In planning stages last August, Adrian Arquint, head of the Office for Hunting and Fishing, told Keystone-SDA that culls correspond to population percentages from prior years, aiming to “reduce conflicts with agriculture and increase shyness towards humans” without endangering the species. He noted at least 120 wolves resided in the canton then, with 12 confirmed packs.
How Does This Cull Compare to Previous Years?
This season’s 35 wolves represent a 13-wolf drop from the 48 culled last year. Bluewin reported on March 10, 2025, that the 2024/25 phase involved gamekeepers and trained hunters, all FOEN-approved, to preempt grazing-season damages.
Earlier plans targeted at least 35 wolves, including 30 pups from litters averaging five to six, plus two full packs like the preliminary herd near Laax. The actual figure aligns closely, though adjusted for confirmed reproduction.
Which Cantons Applied Most for Culls?
Graubünden topped FOEN applications, followed by Ticino and Valais, underscoring its significant wolf population and conflict hotspots. This leadership reflects the canton’s 12+ packs and rising numbers in pack-free zones previously.
What Role Does the Revised Hunting Act Play?
The Act enables these preventive phases, with Graubünden leveraging it for the second consecutive year. It mandates livestock protection measures alongside culls, balancing conservation and rural needs.
What Challenges Remain for Wolf Management?
While culls proceed, multi-year monitoring is essential for efficacy, per authorities. Livestock attacks persist as a driver, with prior seasons seeing declines post-regulation.
Adrian Arquint highlighted population growth, estimating 120 wolves pre-cull, with potential new packs from breeding pairs. Hunters require training for participation, maintaining professionalism.
In broader context, Switzerland’s approach draws international scrutiny, as noted in Council of Europe reports on Bern Convention compliance, though Graubünden focuses on local coexistence.
How Are Hunters Involved in Graubünden?
Gamekeepers lead, supported by trained hunters from the Graubünden hunting community. Participants attend information evenings; wolves remain non-huntable under ordinance.
This collaboration executed the 35 culls efficiently within FOEN quotas.
Graubünden’s efforts exemplify Switzerland’s evolving wolf policy, prioritising data-driven regulation amid growing populations. Officials remain committed to long-term monitoring for sustainable outcomes.
