South Tyrol wolf culling and livestock predation

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano has authorized the culling of a wolf in the municipalities of Ultimo (Ulten) and Castelbello-Ciardes (Kastelbell-Tschars). This represents the third sanctioned wolf removal in South Tyrol during 2026.

The decision was prompted by reports of livestock predation occurring between June 15 and September 8, which resulted in the loss of 22 sheep and four goats across five alpine pastures. The provincial forestry corps identified wolves as the responsible parties, and Governor Arno Kompatscher signed the decree to address these losses.

The measures have faced significant opposition. Environmental organizations and animal rights groups, including WWF Italia and Io non ho paura del lupo APS, have strongly criticized the move. These groups filed an urgent application with the administrative court in Bolzano to block the cull.

Critics argue that the province is failing to implement necessary preventative measures, such as electric fencing, night enclosures, or livestock guarding dogs, as required by national and European guidelines. They maintain that lethal interventions are an ineffective and populist response, suggesting that wildlife management should be driven by scientific data and transparency rather than political considerations.