Hunters Shoot Wolf First And Ask Questions Later

Hunters in Austria have shot dead a wolf despite a lack of clear evidence that the now dead animal was behind the latest series of killed sheep.

Thirty-six sheep have been killed by a wolf or wolves in Salzburg’s Hochkeonig – Steinernes Meer region so far this year.

Now hunters have shot and killed a wolf that may be one of those responsible based on a controversial bylaw passed by the provincial Salzburg government less than two weeks ago.

The hunters acted upon a ruling which gave them the green light to shoot any animal within a 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) radius that they consider a ‘problematic wolf’.

The animal in question was shot on 8th July, according to regional government officials.

Its body has been taken to a Wild Animal Lab in the federal capital city of Vienna where experts will take DNA samples to determine whether it was to blame for any of the sheep killings.

The regional government has defended its policy that came into effect on 29th June.

Franz Wieser, a spokesman for Salzburg’s OeVP-FPOe coalition government, said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 8th July: “The scientific examination will show whether the wolf is the animal which has already been linked to several sheep killings in the area.”

Wieser added that results are expected in two weeks.

Deputy Salzburg Governor Marlene Svazek said: “The regulation works, this is the important thing. We do everything we can to keep alpine livestock safe from ‘problematic’ wolves. This is essential for our farmers.”

Agricultural Councillor Josef Schwaiger added: “If it was impossible to cultivate alpine estates, these regions would be lost for all of us. We express our gratitude to the hunters for their efforts and support.”

The regional government coalition of Salzburg has been criticised for making the ‘problematic wolves’ issue one of its top priorities after taking office on 14th June.

Many netizens made it clear they were shocked at the news.

‘Davidstenitzer’ commented: “Austria’s wolves policies are just poor. A wolf turns into a ‘problematic wolf’ only because it wants to eat? Are you doing okay?’

‘Berii_ca’ just said: “Humans are the worst species!”

‘Heul_doch_kommentare’ argued: “A wolf can never be a problem, it just follows its instincts. Why are humans too stupid to build proper fences and get shepherd dogs as they trespass on this animal’s natural habitat?”

However, there has also been lots of support and understanding for the policy.

‘Ekln62’ commented: “Some people should really face a reality check. How would you react if a wolf keeps reducing the livestock you are depending on?”

‘Sarah_zorniger’ added: “A good thing. No one cares about our farmers anymore these days.”

‘Btc.png’ argued: “Only people from the countryside understand what’s important to our farmers. But all those jerks from the city who romp up the hills on their e-bikes once a year – they urgently need a wolf, don’t they?”

Salzburg’s lenient wolf-shooting policy ends in November. The regional government said it will then review the bylaw and decide whether it should be extended.

Austria’s mountains and forests are home to around 60 wolves, according to experts.