During “Krone”’s visit to Umhausen it became clear: wolves not only kill animals, they can fundamentally endanger the way of life of an entire family. The country is establishing the further roadmap for high-risk wolves.
I am filled with joy on the way to Umhausen because I know what an important day it is for herbivores: the first trip to the green meadow after winter. Sheep farmer Thomas Grießer invited me. “He’s fencing there,” says a man in his mid-thirties.
There are several people from different generations working around the farm, I estimate six to eight. A short walk takes me to Thomas. Two teenage girls help with the fencing, and two smaller boys also lend a hand. ‘So many people in the garden?’ I ask. Thomas: “Yes, actually always, and today the sheep are going out into the meadow for the first time. My brothers and sisters, their children and my parents are on the farm. They are happy to help you. My wife and children are not even here today.”
Thomas Grießer, also the new chairman of the Tyrolean sheep and goat breeders, keeps 90 Tyrolean mountain sheep and 30 gray cattle on his farm. “The first day of grazing in the countryside indirectly heralds the new Alpine season,” he says cheerfully, but his facial expression immediately turns serious again: “We have an uneasy feeling again because of the wolf.” Suddenly one thing becomes clear to me: it is about much more than just dead animals. A way of life is at stake!
Sheep in the protective container every night
2023 was a tough “wolf year”, especially in Umhausen. Several cracks in spring and summer, then the highlight: a wolf visit not far from the farm on the valley meadow in October. “We take the sheep there to the first pasture,” Grießer points to the field on the other side of the street. You will also see a container at the edge of the meadow. He set it up after the crack in October. “To protect them, some of the very valuable animals spend the night in the container, as far as they go,” says the fanatical sheep farmer.
Now father Günther intervenes: “Last year we saw a wolf killing game a hundred meters above the meadow. The sheep noticed this and went wild for days.”
Outsiders, such as so-called animal rights activists, would have no idea how many facets the problem with predators has. Three generations are passionate about sheep breeding. “The children understand the concerns about the future of agriculture,” says Thomas.
“Once a pack forms, everything is ready.”
Compensation for a sheep killed was nice, but completely uninteresting. You know every animal by name, Thomas even knows the individual bells of 60 animals. The sheep farmers in Tyrol would like to be able to hunt wolves all year round, even though they know that this is hardly possible. Because one thing is clear: if a pack forms, agriculture in this form is over. The chairman: “I would also like to express my gratitude to the politicians who do what is legally possible.” Herd protection is not possible in the high Alpine region, as we know from the leased alpine pasture in Vent. So another alpine summer with unnecessary excitement.
“Is there a risk that wolves will be released for shooting again this year”
Diplomats call it “extraction,” while those who are bolder call it shooting. For many, this is the only effective way to prevent the spread of wolves. Last year, the Tyrolean state government created the possibility to quickly release “harmful and high-risk wolves” for shooting. Four of last year’s 19 shooting regulations could be complied with by hunters. For LHStv it is clear that despite the increased number of individuals, the number of cracks in Tyrol has decreased significantly in 2023. Josef Geisler a consequence of the hunting pressure: “Once again this year we will immediately release harmful and high-risk wolves for hunting.” There are currently no indications of the formation of a pack. But: a wildlife camera in the Innsbruck Land has already photographed a lynx this year.
The pilot projects for herd protection with controlled grazing and constant livestock farming on three alpine pastures in the Tyrolean Oberland will continue this year. By the way: the costs for this very labor-intensive and cost-intensive form of herd protection last year amounted to 133 euros per sheep per alpine season. The grazing season in the valleys is only just beginning these days. “I urge animal owners to protect their pastures with wolf-repellent electric fencing,” Geisler’s spring message said. “The purchase of the fencing material is supported by the State of Tyrol, the responsible state council.” also thinks: “The wolf is not an endangered species and should be able to be hunted normally.” However, many decision makers think differently!
“Bad news” from Brussels – of course!
LK President Hechenberger is probably a bit too optimistic and the “crown” arm to Brussels is probably a bit longer: the fact that the downgrade of the wolf’s protection status from “strictly protected” to “protected” in Brussels continues is unfortunately probably disinformation. And the fact that this “upgrade” would have no relevance for Austria anyway because the conservation status of the wolf is “not favorable” must also be communicated. But even if it were ‘favourable’, the Commission’s proposal was discussed by a Council working group in February, no decision was taken due to the lack of a qualified majority, and Member States are divided. Future decisions on this matter will be made by the Environmental Council.
The very latest, but still unconfirmed, EU information: There will be no downgrade of the wolf’s protection status because only two countries are in favor of it.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
