The statements of a wolf expert from the WWF in an interview with the “Krone” led to strong reactions. Representatives of farmers, tourism professionals and politicians are up in arms.
According to WWF expert Christian Pichler, the forests need wolves because they also provide a healthy population of roe deer and red deer. FP state party chairman Erwin Angerer and deputy for agriculture chambers Manfred Muhr find these statements naive and otherworldly: “The wolf is not important for regulation in the forest. In practice, this has failed, as can be seen in some neighboring countries. The wolves mainly hunt farm animals and not deer. It is not for nothing that Carinthia registers hundreds of sheep and even young stock that have been killed!”
The two are convinced that soon there will be no more management of the mountain pastures in Carinthia with the predator: “That is precisely why the protection status of the wolf should finally be lowered!”
Herd protection not without problems
Meanwhile, LK President Siegfried Huber is revolting against the proposed measures to protect the herds. “They don’t work on our alpine pastures!” He refers to examples in Switzerland. “Millions of francs have been invested for years in the purchase of fencing, animal protection dogs and herders. However, in 2020, 30 animal protection dog bite attacks on alpine visitors had to be recorded. Why would we spend huge sums in Carinthia on something that does not work in the long run and even causes damage?” asks the farmer’s representative.
Also consequences for tourism
Tourism representatives also see the dispersion of the wolf population as extremely problematic. “For tourism, this means a red alert! Herd protection alone is simply not a proven way to protect the animals on the alpine pastures,” says Christian Kresse, head of Carinthia Advertising, also referring to examples from Switzerland. The wolf has extreme consequences for the cycling and walking route infrastructure as well as for the local population.
“The outrage over a few sheep may not be bad enough – but no later than when the predators are in the horse stables or in the front yards!” Kresse warns, doubting the competence of the WWF staff: “You just can’t leave. The cities determine the lives of the farmers and the Alpine farmers. It’s not going to go well.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
