Initial assessment shows:

Tyrol’s mountain pastures satisfied with season despite concerns

The concern about predators remains.

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger)

An initial assessment of Tyrol's alpine pastures shows: there were fewer dead animals, but according to the forecasts there were probably more predators. 14 shooting regulations have been issued to date.

The early snowfall in September brought the alpine pasture season in Tyrol to an abrupt end. Those responsible are now taking stock of this. In a nutshell, it shows "positive developments" and "ongoing challenges".

However, the positive aspects are kept fairly brief in a press release from the province: "The pastures remained lush green until late summer and animal health was stable - also thanks to comprehensive preventative measures."

The Alpine pasture season was characterized by good weather conditions and stable animal health. 14 wolf culling orders were issued.

Bild: Birbaumer Christof

118 farm animals fell victim to the predators
The section on the challenges is much more detailed. These revolve around the predators: "As of mid-September, 118 dead farm animals are attributable to large carnivores. 83 sheep, nine goats and eleven cattle can be attributed to the wolf, eleven sheep to the golden jackal and three sheep and one cow to the bear. In the municipality of Pfunds, a bear also plundered beehives at the end of June," it says.

The final figures on injured and missing animals on the mountain pastures are still pending.

According to the forecasts, there are likely to be more wolves in Tyrol.

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger (Symbolbild))

Forecasts point to an increase in wolves
The good news: in 2023, there were 183 livestock deaths, significantly more than this year. "A total of 17 different wolf individuals have been genetically identified in Tyrol so far this year, 13 of which were male and three female. Initial forecasts indicate a further increase in the presence of wolves," the experts predict.

The animals on the herd protection pilot alps were particularly well protected from predators this season. The state invested 325,000 euros in these. The final cost of the herd protection has not yet been determined.

LHStv. Josef Geisler from the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party) commented: "The alpine pasture season was characterized by good weather conditions and stable animal health. 14 wolf shooting orders were issued and two wolves were killed. The constant concern about predators remains."