Switzerland: dead sheep reveals return of the wolf
DNA analysis of a sheep found dead on the 31st October in the Swiss canton of Freiburg shows the animal was killed by a wolf, signalling an end of a 170-year absense of the predator.
Under Swiss law, wolves cannot be shot unless they've killed 25 animals in one month, or 35 animals over four months, therefore the wolf is safe from government intervention for now.
A meeting has been tentatively scheduled for January, which will bring together various factions for a debate on the future of wolves in the region: invitations have been extended to hunters, farmers and conservationists.
The Swiss wolf population is currently estimated at between 5 and 10 animals, concentrated in the Grisons and Valais regions.
Sources:
FERUS
Swiss Forest and Nature service press release
Article created on: 26 Nov 2007