South Tyrol authorizes wolf culling following livestock predation

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano has issued a new decree authorizing the culling of a wolf in the municipalities of Ultimo and Castelbello-Ciardes. This marks the third such authorized removal in South Tyrol during 2026.

The decision follows reports of livestock predation in the Ultimo area between June 15 and September 8, during which 22 sheep and 4 goats were killed or lost. The decree covers a vast area of over 260 square kilometers, despite the reported incidents being localized to specific mountain pastures.

Concerns have been raised regarding the technical and procedural aspects of these measures. An association has contacted ISPRA seeking clarification on whether general technical opinions are being used to justify subsequent culls in different territories without specific new investigations for each case. Critics argue that wildlife management should be driven by scientific data and effective prevention rather than political or ideological considerations.