Wolf shot after seven goats killed in Tyrol without permit

A wolf was shot in Arzl im Pitztal after seven goats were killed near a residential area, without an official shooting order, ORF reported. Mayor Josef Knabl confirmed the report to ORF and the Tiroler Tageszeitung.

The goats were killed on Sunday morning. According to Knabl, the farmer visited them with his children early that day and was told at noon that all the animals were lying dead. Police informed the mayor on Sunday afternoon, after which he contacted the farmers.

Knabl said he had only heard that a wolf was shot during the following night. He did not know who shot it. The wolf had apparently returned to its prey to continue feeding and was killed there.

Investigation under way

The mayor told ORF he was concerned about children going into the forest to play. He said his son had gone out to play at the age of six or seven, but that today he would tell him: “Stop, please stay in the house.” It was not known whether the wolf would always run away, he said.

Authorities will now determine whether the legal conditions for killing a wolf were met. DNA samples that were collected will also be analysed.

Study identifies conflict risks

Researchers at BOKU Vienna analysed 124 wolf sightings and 109 documented livestock attacks to identify suitable wolf habitats and areas with a high potential for conflict in Austria. The team, led by first author Florian Kunz, linked the findings to 37 factors, including forest cover, terrain, proximity to settlements and livestock farming.

The study found that about 47 percent of Austria could generally provide suitable habitat for wolves. Around 23 percent of the country was considered particularly vulnerable to livestock attacks. The areas with the greatest potential for conflict included alpine grazing land at or above the tree line, as well as open areas surrounded by forest. Such areas are found mainly in Tyrol and Carinthia.

Tyrol has also reduced the bureaucratic process for wolf shootings. After four dead sheep were found near Nauders in a suspected wolf attack, the responsible authority directly authorised the shooting of a wolf for the first time.