Wolf sighting in Lauenen

  09.02.2021 Local News

A wolf was seen in Lauenen shortly before Christmas. Farmers and residents received a warning via mobile phone warning systems by the canton and the Bernese Farmers’ Association.

A single wolf moves leisurely across a snow-covered pasture in Lauenen. Whether it is unaware of the people watching from some distance or it does not care about them is not clear. This scene was captured in short video, recorded with a mobile phone camera. At the same time, cattle owners in the area received a text message, which informed them about the wolf sighting.

Warning by text message
If a private individual spots a wolf, they should report it to the responsible gamekeeper or the hunting inspectorate. If the sighting of the predator is confirmed, the cantonal hunting inspectorate triggers a text message, which is diffused via two channels.

The Office of Agriculture and Nature has kept a database for several years in which the data of all livestock keepers entitled to direct payments and their contacts are collected. When the hunting inspectorate reports a confirmed wolf kill or a wolf sighting, livestock owners within a radius of 10 to 15 kilometres from the predator’s location receive a text message – given their mobile number figures in the database. The aim is to warn livestock owners as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Warning in WhatsApp group
A second warning system is the WhatsApp group launched by the Bernese Farmers’ Association. Animal owners as well as all other interested parties can join a group on WhatsApp, which also informs its members in case of a sighting or a kill confirmed by the hunting inspectorate.

The tenor of many local farmers is unanimous: The wolf is present, even if many do not want to admit or believe it. While the danger is averted in winter because the animals are in the stables, they are concerned about the presence of the predator.

BASED ON AVS/JENNY STERCHI

 


Image Title

1/10

Would you like to read more?

Yes. I am a subscriber

Don't have an account yet? Register now from here

Yes. I need a subscription.

Subscription offers