Record Wolf Culling in Switzerland: 101 Wolves Legally Shot in Past Year

Switzerland has witnessed its highest annual wolf cull in recent history, with hunters legally eliminating 101 wolves between February 2024 and January 2025. The total mortality reached 107 wolves when including six additional deaths from accidents and natural causes. This marks a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the intensifying management of wolf populations in the Alpine nation.

The culling operations were concentrated across several Swiss cantons, with Graubünden leading at 47 wolves eliminated, followed by Valais with 34. Smaller numbers were recorded in Vaud (5), St Gallen (3), and Ticino (3). This regional distribution reflects the varying density of wolf populations and their impact on local communities and livestock across different parts of Switzerland.

Despite the extensive culling, wolf populations showed significant reproduction, with 135 new pups confirmed nationwide in 2024. The country currently hosts 26 resident wolf packs and 11 cross-border packs. Cantons received authorization to eliminate nine packs entirely, while 15 packs were subject to regulated culling, allowing the removal of one-third to two-thirds of young wolves. This balance between population control and conservation highlights the complex nature of wolf management in Switzerland.

The record culling numbers reflect Switzerland's evolving approach to wolf management, balancing conservation requirements with the protection of livestock and rural interests. The significant increase in culling operations from 16 wolves in 2021/2022 to 101 in 2024/2025 demonstrates a more aggressive management strategy. This shift in policy has sparked discussions about sustainable wildlife management and the future of wolf conservation in Switzerland's Alpine regions.