The Local Switzerland

‘The wolves aren't scared of people': Swiss canton orders hunt after wolf follows child

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:57:27 +0100

More than 300 wolves are believed to roam in Switzerland, spread over 32 different packs. A recent 'wolf incident' put a young child at risk.

Europe set to allow more wolf hunting after protection status lowered

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:33:52 +0100

Dozens of countries on Tuesday approved downgrading the protection status of the wolf in Europe, a move activists say will upset the recovery made by the species over the past 10 years after near extinction a century ago.

Wolves to lynx: Where in Switzerland could you come face to face with predators?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:14:29 +0200

Switzerland’s natural spaces are truly breathtaking and are one reason the country is considered a world-class destination for outdoor sports. It is, however, a space shared with a wide variety of what we consider predator species.

In pictures: spectacular images show beauty of Swiss wildlife

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:48:15 +0100

Swiss environmental group Pro Natura recently unveiled the winners in its “Wildlife on the move” photo competition. Here are the best images.

Lynx facing extinction in canton of Valais: Report

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:45:54 +0200

A study by the University of Bern has found that the lynx population has dramatically decreased in the canton of Valais, due primarily to poaching.

How Swiss software is helping drones survey wildlife in Namibia

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 13:35:49 +0200

A new technique combining drones and automated image analysis is being used to help researchers count animals in Namibia's huge nature reserves.

New sighting of brown bear in Bern region

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 23:06:14 +0200

A bear was spotted on Wednesday in the Siebenbrunnen area of the commune of Lenk in Bern, cantonal authorities have said.

Wolves at the door: animal spotted in canton of Zurich

Wed, 16 May 2018 12:37:53 +0200

A four-legged animal, captured in a photo by a member of the public in the canton of Zurich on Monday, is a wolf, experts have confirmed.

Brown bear strolls across Swiss ski slope

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:42:13 +0200

Workers at the Engelberg Titlis ski area in central Switzerland witnessed a highly unusual spectacle on Monday morning when a brown bear passed close by.

Lynx shot after posing a risk to humans

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 14:04:11 +0200

Game keepers have shot dead a sick lynx that was found wandering in a residential area in central Switzerland.

Hunter accidentally shoots rare golden jackal

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 09:27:36 +0100

A hunter in the canton of Graubünden has admitted to killing a golden jackal, providing the first tangible evidence of the animal being in Switzerland.

Rare wild goat trophies seized at Basel border

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 22:26:35 +0100

Swiss Customs said on Wednesday that they have seized two hunter trophies of protected wild goats found in a car checked at the Basel border crossing.

Game officials tackle deer-devouring dogs

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 14:24:00 +0200

Authorities in the canton of Saint Gallen are planning to install surveillance cameras in the woods in a bid to capture stray dogs that are killing — and eating — deer and sheep.

Swiss and Italians butt heads over border bears

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 17:07:00 +0200

Swiss and Italian officials are butting heads over how to tackle bears roaming between the two countries, in a dispute centred on balancing human and animal welfare.

Night vision guns pushed for culling Swiss boar

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:38:00 +0200

A debate is under way among hunters and animal rights groups in Switzerland over the controversial use of night vision guns to shoot wild boar.

Nuisance bear destroyed in Graubünden town

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:45:00 +0100

A brown bear who came into contact with humans too many times in a Swiss mountain valley was shot dead on Tuesday, officials from the canton of Graubünden said on Wednesday.

Swiss mountain town seeks bear’s removal

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:25:00 +0100

The municipal council of Poschiavo in the canton of Graubünden wants the federal and cantonal authorities to move a nuisance bear into a national park — and away from people.

Brown bear targeted as Swiss Alps nuisance

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:30:00 +0100

A brown bear roaming a mountain region in the canton of Graübunden is being targeted by wildlife officials after outstaying its welcome in residential neighbourhoods.

Penguins get stressed by humans: Swiss study

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:48:00 +0200

Humans make king penguins stressed, but the regal birds chill out over time as they get more used to people's presence, a Swiss study shows.

Fox attacks 3-year old Swiss girl in bed

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:45:00 +0200

A fox is thought to have bitten a small girl from the Zurich area who was sleeping with her bedroom window open.