EU to examine Austria’s wolf shooting practices after GPS wolf killed

The European Commission is examining a complaint over the shooting of a GPS-tracked research wolf in Carinthia, ORF reported. The wolf, named Andrea, had been monitored for months by Italian scientists before he was shot in February in the Spittal an der Drau district.

Andrea was tracked by scientists from the University of Udine from the previous year. The young male spent time around Mallnitz, and his movements were recorded using a GPS collar. He was shot near Obervellach in early February.

Nature conservation organisations want the European Commission to examine whether wolf-shooting practices in Carinthia and Tyrol comply with European law. They are questioning whether authorities sufficiently consider alternative solutions before authorising a shooting and how the deaths of several animals affect the wolf population.

The organisations also criticised the handling of scientific data. The University of Udine had already been in contact with authorities in Carinthia about Andrea’s movements.

Carinthian state authorities rejected the criticism after the shooting. Under Carinthia’s rules, a wolf can be authorised for shooting under certain conditions.

The European Commission is already examining several aspects of Austria’s wolf management. The complaint is intended to clarify whether the practice, particularly in Carinthia, complies with European requirements.