DON’T MISS
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Swiss news & articles
Farmers' union demands action after wolf attacks kill livestock
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Farmers' union demands action after wolf attacks kill livestock

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

Wild lynx return to the Engadine after 150-year absenceWild lynx return to the Engadine after 150-year absence
CO2-absorbing asphalt to be trialled on Basel roadsCO2-absorbing asphalt to be trialled on Basel roads
[Video] 1 million tonnes of rock falls in Swiss mountain rockslide[Video] 1 million tonnes of rock falls in Swiss mountain rockslide
More and more snakes appearing near Lake ZurichMore and more snakes appearing near Lake Zurich
Switzerland struck by lightning more than 70.000 times in one nightSwitzerland struck by lightning more than 70.000 times in one night
Fossil of giant lizard native to Asia discovered in SwitzerlandFossil of giant lizard native to Asia discovered in Switzerland
Northern bald ibis returns to Switzerland after 400-year absenceNorthern bald ibis returns to Switzerland after 400-year absence
7 beautiful botanical gardens in Switzerland7 beautiful botanical gardens in Switzerland
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Aug 20, 2021
Emily Proctor
Former Editor at IamExpat Media.Read more

The Swiss Farmers’ Union is urging the government to help them find new solutions to wolf attacks on their Alpine livestock. 

Spate of wolf attacks in Switzerland raises fresh concerns

Wolf attacks on farmers’ livestock is not rare in Switzerland, especially in the mountains. However in recent months there have been several incidents involving wolves killing calves and cattle. 

Given that the price of a cow can vary greatly between 1.500 and 150.000 Swiss francs, depending on the breed, it is no surprise that farmers in Switzerland are trying desperately to protect their cattle from more wolf attacks. Sheep are also pricey - costing anything between 1.000 and 10.000 Swiss francs each. 

Farmers say the attacks on livestock have taken on a “new dimension”

According to the Swiss Farmers’ Union, attacks on farm animals have taken “a new dimension," with farmers asking for greater permissions when it comes to tackling the animals. 

The union has asked for any applications made by farmers requesting to shoot wolves to be approved quickly, and for farmers that have been affected by livestock killings to receive financial support from the Swiss government.

Majority of Swiss voters reject plans to shoot more wolves

In September 2020, around 52 percent of voters rejected proposals that would have made it easier for farmers to shoot wolves, with the majority of those who voted “for” the plans being situated in rural counties (cantons). 

The plans would have allowed wolf culling to take place without the need for prior permission from the federal authorities. As things stand, permits are only given when a farmer can demonstrate that a wolf is killing a significant amount of their livestock. 

Recent incidents have led to more permits being requested

In recent weeks, the cantons of Vaud and Graubünden have asked for permission to shoot at least three wolves in response to livestock killings in the Alps. The killings meant farmers needed to move their animals down into the valley and away from where it is believed the wolves are living. 

In Vaud, at least six calves were killed in the last few weeks of July, while Graubünden also saw two cattle killed by wolves. Even with protective measures in place, such as fencing and moving cattle around, it is estimated that wolves still kill 300 to 500 goats and sheep per year in Switzerland. 

By Emily Proctor