What happened in Hasliberg
An unusually aggressive wolf attack occurred Monday in the Bernese municipality of Hasliberg. The predator targeted camelids, specifically three llamas, which were killed, while another was injured. The incident stands out in the recent wolf-related debates because llamas are not typically the primary target in such conflicts. Local farmers described a scene of shock as the livestock losses mounted.
The attack prompted swift statements from agricultural circles, who warned that ongoing wolf pressure is destabilizing family farms and forcing difficult decisions about livestock protection in the Alps and foothills around Bern.
Who spoke and what they said
The Bernese Farmers’ Union (Berner Bauernverband) quickly called on the canton to seek authorization from the Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV) to shoot the wolf involved in the Hasliberg incident. In their view, the threat to farming families is intolerable and immediate action is required. They argued that the wolf appears to have lost its natural fear of livestock and people and represents a grave risk to both agriculture and public safety.
In contrast, the Bernese cantonal hunting and wildlife service said it would not address the possibility of lethal action at this stage. A spokesperson pointed to the specific circumstances around the camelids: for New World camelids, a fence of at least 120 centimeters is required to be considered adequate protection, and the three llamas that died were reportedly not sufficiently shielded by such measures. The service’s stance suggests that risk mitigation and enforcement of current protections remain central to any subsequent decisions.
The Wolf Group Switzerland also weighed in, asserting that the llamas killed were not protected to the level required by law, and accusing opponents of wolves of seeking state-permission to cull without regard for the legal framework. Their comments emphasize a broader, ongoing dispute over how Switzerland manages its wolf population and livestock safety in rural areas.
Context: policy, protection, and law
This incident comes as Switzerland continues to wrestle with how to balance wildlife preservation with farm livelihoods. Wolves are protected under national and cantonal rules, and lethal control by authorities typically requires rigorous justification and formal procedures. Cantons may seek special authorizations to shoot a problem animal in certain dangerous situations, but such steps depend on regulatory processes and federal oversight.
The OFEV’s role is to provide national guidance and, when warranted, authorize exceptional actions in coordination with cantonal authorities. Critics say the current framework needs to be responsive to repeated livestock losses tied to wolf presence, while supporters emphasize the importance of maintaining ecological balance and following due process.
Protecting livestock: what farmers can do
The debate has highlighted practical protective measures for camelids and other livestock. The 120-centimeter fence requirement for camelids is one key standard cited by authorities, though enforcement and consultation with veterinary and wildlife experts remain essential. Beyond fencing, farmers may consider enhanced enclosures, predator-deterrent practices, and the use of guard animals as part of a comprehensive risk-management strategy. Experts and stakeholder groups often call for a combination of preventive measures, rapid reporting, and clear protocols when wolf activity is detected near herds.
What happens next
As of now, the canton has not announced a formal decision on lethal removal regarding this particular wolf. The Berner Bauernverband’s demand for OFEV authorisation to shoot reflects the pressure felt by farmers facing ongoing losses, while authorities emphasize the need to apply existing protections and legal procedures. The incident underscores the friction between agricultural stakeholders and wildlife managers in Switzerland and raises questions about how best to safeguard both rural livelihoods and wildlife populations in a changing environment.
Bottom line
Hasliberg’s llama tragedy has reignited the debate over wolf management in Switzerland. With farmers calling for swift, decisive action and authorities pointing to legal protections and protective guidelines, the case could shape future policy discussions, including the role of fencing standards, preventive measures, and the conditions under which lethal control can be considered.
