Bear Attack in Lower Engadine Marks First Livestock Predation in Four Years

In a significant wildlife incident that has caught the attention of local authorities and residents, a bear attacked and killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden. The incident occurred at an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres in Val S-charl, close to the Italian border, marking the first such attack on livestock in the region since 2021. The attack has raised concerns about the increasing presence of large predators in Swiss Alpine regions and their impact on local farming communities.

Despite having implemented recommended protection measures, including the presence of guard dogs, the sheep herd fell victim to the bear attack. According to Arno Puorger from the Graubünden Hunting and Fishing Office, 'The herd was protected by dogs' at the time of the incident. This revelation has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current protection strategies and whether additional measures might be necessary to safeguard livestock in the region. The incident has particularly impacted local farmers who rely on summer Alpine pasturing for their livestock.

The last recorded bear attack on livestock in Graubünden occurred in August 2021, when a bear killed twelve sheep in the Val d'Uina and Val S-charl areas. The region experienced a relatively peaceful period between 2021 and early 2025, with only one minor incident involving damage to an unprotected beehive in Valsot during 2024. This latest attack breaks a four-year streak without livestock predation, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing wildlife-farming coexistence in the Swiss Alps.

The incident has prompted local authorities to review and potentially enhance wildlife management strategies in the region. While bears remain rare in Switzerland, their occasional presence necessitates a delicate balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural interests. The canton's wildlife management officials are monitoring the situation closely, and discussions are underway about potential additional protective measures for livestock in high-risk areas. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Alpine communities in coexisting with large predators.