South Tyrol Approves Cull of Two Wolves After Repeated Livestock Attacks

Arno Kompatscher, President of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), has authorized the culling of two wolves in the Upper Venosta Valley. This decision follows 31 confirmed wolf attacks on grazing animals documented by forestry authorities between May and July 2025. These incidents add to 42 attacks recorded in the same area during the previous alpine season. Despite the affected alpine pastures being declared protective zones and livestock owners implementing defensive measures, these precautions failed to prevent the attacks. Both the Provincial Wildlife Observatory and Italy’s Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) issued favorable opinions supporting the cull under Provincial Law 10/2023. The authorization is valid for 60 days, with the Provincial Forestry Corps tasked with carrying out the removal.