Lower Austria has shot four problem wolves

Lower Austria has shot four wolves classified as problem animals, with the latest killed a few weeks ago, ORF reported, citing the office of Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf.

All four were shot in the Waldviertel region. Two were killed in October last year, another in May and the fourth in recent weeks.

Wolves may be classed as problem animals if they repeatedly approach settlements or attack livestock such as sheep. Pernkopf said they could be driven away, deterred or shot if they approached settlements or inhabited areas and threatened the safety of people, farm animals or pets.

Lower Austria ranks third in Austria for wolf shootings. Figures from WWF and the Austrian Centre for Bear, Wolf and Lynx show that at least 35 wolves were shot nationwide between October 1, 2025, and September 29, 2026. Carinthia recorded 18, Tyrol 10 and Lower Austria four.

Austria has already exceeded its total for 2025, when 22 wolves were shot. At least 29 had been shot in 2026 by September 29.