FRENCH SPEAKING VALAIS PACKS

Breeding pair 

Male : currently none (breeding male 2019-2023 = M88)
Female: F43

Members identified in 2023: F43 (1x) - M88 (1x) - M202 (2x) - F174 (1x) - F175 (1x)

Members identified in 2024 : M88 (shot dead) - M417 (shot dead) - F43 (1x) - U478 (1x)

NO REPRODUCTION IN 2024 !

History

The pack was first detected in 2019, with the birth of 7 cubs. It is considered cross-border since part of its territory is also in France. In Switzerland, it is present in the Vionnaz/Vouvry region. Monitoring is carried out there, and DNA traces, footprints and droppings are frequently found. In 2020, 4 cubs were born and identified as F70, F71, M142 and M143. In 2023, the Chablais pack also reproduced, with the birth of at least 5 cubs. The breeding pair has remained the same since 2019, but the pack has lost the breeding male during the proactive shooting session, in January 2024. A case of poaching of a cub was also reported in January 2021 in the Torgon area.

It's important to point out that, since its creation in 2018, the Chablais pack has never had a shooting permit revoked, as it has never reached the quota for any of its attacks ! It has therefore never killed more than 8 sheep in a protected situation. In 2023, the pack even committed no losses in the French part of its territory. The facts and figures bear this out in black and white. This winter, the pack has been targeted by the authorities and put on the list of packs to be culled. This is particularly prejudicial, counter-productive and simply shows a serious problem of assessment of what would really be a problematic pack.  

Since proactive regulation, the Chablais pack has already committed 2 attacks in France (1 lamb killed) and one attempt (cattle). The presence of 3 wolves was attested in France in July/August 2024. 

It should be noted that no DNA surveys were carried out in 2024, with the exception of the two proactive control shots carried out in January 2024 (M88 & M417). We remind you that without DNA, it becomes extremely complicated, if not impossible, to understand certain factors, such as the spatio-temporal management of the pack or the possible consequences of proactive regulation shots (territory occupation, pack composition, possible splitting, etc.). And without an understanding of these factors, any interpretation with a view to future shooting authorizations is highly contentious !

For some unknown and erroneous reason, the Chablais pack is no longer labelled as cross-border by the Valais cantonal authorities. It would have been more than wise to ask the French authorities, as the pack is indeed present on French territory! It even killed a lamb there at the beginning of summer 2024. So there's no doubt that this is a cross-border pack!

Attacks/losses 2023

The pack committed 6 attacks, leading to the loss of 7 sheep:

06/11 - 1 sheep (F43)
07/01 - 2 sheep (M88)
07/06 - 2 injured sheep
07/14 - 1 sheep
07/17 - 1 sheep
08/02 - 2 sheep  

Official protection measures were applied at the time of the attacks, according to the official authorities.

No reactive regulation authorization has been requested for 2023, as the pack has not reached the required quotas.

In France, no attacks took place in 2023, according to the relevant authorities.

Attacks/losses 2024

04/09 - 1 sheep - DNA F224
06/09 - 1 sheep *
09/09 - 1 sheep
10/09 - 2 sheep - DNA F43

* The attacks took place in a recognized buffer zone (Col & Pointe de Chésery) between the Chablais and Hauts-Forts packs, now joined by the Salentin pack! The breeding female of the Salentin pack, F224, is most likely a descendant of the Chablais pack.
 

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

01/05 - 1 adult (M88 - breeding male)
01/20 - 1 young wolf (M417)

Official headcounts at November 30, 2023 : 2 adults & at least 4 cubs.

POST-REGULATION NUMBERS (MARCH 2024) : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 15, 2024).


Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien

Breeding pair 

The genetic identity of the members of the breeding pair is currently unknown, as no data could be analyzed in Switzerland.

No individuals were identified through DNA in 2023 and 2024 (December 2024).

In 2022, only two wolves were identified: M213 (1x) & M274 (when he has been legally shot on July 22, 2022, a member of the Chablais pack by the way).

NO PROOF OF REPRODUCTION IN 2024 (POSSIBLE MORTALITY).

History

The pack was detected in 2022 on the Hauts-Forts in Haute-Savoie. It's also a cross-border pack, with over 80% of its territory in France, as is the center of its home range. In Switzerland, the pack could occupy only a small part of the La Barma/Chésery/Val d'Illiez area. No genetic evidence was found for the presence of a pack in 2023. In fact, private monitoring in 2022/2023 showed the presence of a single wolf the vast majority of the time and, exceptionally, 2 wolves but never more. According to official French data, the pack reproduced in 2023, with the birth of 1 cub. When we compare the data collected for this pack with all the others present in Valais, we find that genetic surveys are absent from this territory, despite the fact that wolves defecate as they do everywhere else. This is not the only point of contention, as it would appear that there are major problems not only with the monitoring but also with the interpretation of the data for this pack, as regards the actual surface area and the management of the territory, and in particular the buffer zones with the Chablais pack (and from 2024, the Salentin pack).

To illustrate the clear lack of analysis, we can mention the case of the male legally shot on July 23, 2022 (M274): he in no way belonged to the Hauts-Forts pack ! In fact, just 5 days before his lethal shot, he was right in the middle of the Chablais pack's home range, which is virtually almost impossible for a foreign individual at a time of intense cub protection. This male therefore belonged to the Chablais pack and was either dispersing or on an exploratory excursion, as subadults often do at this time. It weighed 35 kg and was over 2 years old, which would clearly corroborate the above facts. The map below clearly shows the genetic data (bottom red dot = location and date of lethal shot).
 

A carcass wrapped in a camouflage jacket, lying in front of the Valais authorities camera trap (without the latter recording anything, very illogically) was discovered on February 5, 2024. This act is clearly an attempt at poaching, the bait having inevitably passed into the hands of ill-intentioned people wishing to eradicate this pack. As a reminder, the shooting of this pack had been halted following an appeal with suspensive effect. In France, where this pack has a large part of its territory and above all its home range (official proof), it is common knowledge that poaching also takes place in Switzerland. Not to mention the fact that official follow-up in Switzerland is highly worrying. We will be closely monitoring the situation and the official reports, which will be analyzed in depth.

Actually, most of the Hauts-Forts pack's territory is in France (at least 150 km2), and probably had a litter, even though no traces of cubs have been seen lately (possible mortality). The center of the home range of this pack (den + "meeting" place) has been authenticated in France.

Attacks/losses 2023

The pack is said to have committed (but without proof of presence, impossible to confirm...) 2 attacks, leading to the loss of 3 sheep :

07/18 - 1 sheep
07/26 - 2 lambs

No means of protection had been put in place for the first attack, but guardian dogs and a shepherd were present for the second. It should be noted that on the second attack, the flock was in the only area of the entire summer grazing period that did not allow electrified fencing, as the shepherd explained and thus understood the reasons for the attack. 

No reactive regulation authorization was requested in 2023, as the pack had not reached the required quotas.
 

Attacks/losses 2024

NONE IN 2024 (12/15/2024).
According to the genetic scores, none of the attacks in the well-known buffer zone with the Chablais pack (Col and Pointe de Chésery) are due to the Hauts-Forts pack.
 

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

SUSPENSIVE EFFECT - ZERO SHOOTING.

NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3-4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES (FRANCE).

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 15, 2024)

Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien

Breeding pair 

Male : M230 
Female : F151

Members identified in 2023: F131 (1x), M334 (1x), F151 (2x), M230 (5x) - M407 (cub - shot dead) - F211 (cub * - shot dead).

Members identified in 2024 : F212 (cub * - shot dead) - F151 (1X) - M230 (1x)

* Shooting error, cubs belonging to the Mont-Brun pack

UNTIL THE 9TH OF NOVEMBER 2024, THE AUTHORITIES HAD NO REAL VIDEO FOOTAGE OF CUBS.

History

The history of the wolf in this region, Val d'Entremont, is fairly long. A pair appeared to have formed in 2018, formed by M98 and F41. They had been monitored during winter 2018/2019 and images in April 2019 showed a pregnant female. Although no evidence of a birth could be found, the pack showed typical pack territory-use behavior, with a very restricted spatial range compared to lone wolves and concentrated on a quiet, game-rich habitat with forest and water nearby.

During autumn 2019, three further individuals were identified in the pack's territory (F54, M114 and M115) and, in February 2020, a sixth wolf was detected within a year (M123). Genetic results showed that these four wolves were not descendants of the M098 & F041 pair. The presence of at least six wolves of both sexes in one year, in the same area and with partial socialization, nevertheless proves the presence of a pack.

In 2020, a further eight wolves were detected in the area, proving the probable presence of a pack, with 17 wolves identified in three years.

In 2022, the first evidence of reproduction is obtained in the Val d'Entremont. Once again, the couple is not identified with certainty. They could be M230/M248/M265 as sire and F119/F130/F131 as dam. 

In 2023, reproduction also took place, with the birth of at least 1 cub. Unfortunately, during the proactive regulation phase, two cubs from the neighbouring pack (Mont-Brun, possibly extinct in 2024) were shot. 

At present, as with the Chablais pack, it should be noted that very few DNA records have been taken since the proactive regulation shots were fired in January 2024. F151 and M230 have only been identified once !


Attacks/losses 2023

The pack is said to have committed two attacks : 

09/05 - 5 sheep
11/03 - 1 sheep

No DNA was collected from the September 5 attack. The area of the attack shows few signs of presence and is located on a well-known wolf dispersal corridor from Italy (Aosta). Protective measures were in place, but the attacked animals were not in the sheepfold at the time of the attack.

No reactive regulation authorization has been requested for 2023, as the pack has not reached the required quotas.


Attacks/losses 2024

07/03 - 1 sheep (protected)
07/10 - 14 sheep (unprotected)

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

12/17 - 1 young wolf (M407)
12/30 - 1 young wolf (F211) -  not related with the Toules Pack (Mont-Brun pack)
01/01 - 1 young wolf (F212) -  not related with the Toules Pack (Mont-Brun pack)

Official headcounts at November 30, 2023 : 2 adults & at least 1 cub.

POST-REGULATION NUMBERS (MARCH 2024) : 3-4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

09/20 - 1 adult
11/18 - 1 adult
11/28 - 1 adult
11/30 - 1 young wolf
12/17 - 1 adult
01/07 - 1 young wolf

As the pack has only one identified breeding pair and a maximum of 2 to 3 adult individuals over the whole period from January 1 to September 30, 2024, we hope that no shooting has taken place in the buffer zone !

The cantonal authorities requested that the entire pack be shot in the proactive regulation phase (from September 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025). This request was rejected by the Federal Office of the Environnement (OFEV) on September 11, 2024, as the conditions had not been met. An evidence is requested for the pack to be shot down.

Following a visit by Mr. Favre, Valais State Councillor, to the Federal Palace to meet Albert Rösti and the Director of the OFEV (Federal Office for the Environment), and despite the fact that the above-mentioned additional evidence does not exist, the shooting authorization fell in September 2024. An adult individual has already been shot by a hunter, whereas the guidelines, clearly specified by the OFEV and noted on the communication from the Canton de Vaud authorities (but forgotten & denied by Mr. Favre), call for the shooting of juveniles first, until October 31. According to monitoring and DNA data, it was probably a member of the breeding pair that was shot. Shooting this pack in no way complies with article 9 of the Bern Convention !

WE WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT THIS PACK IS BEING SHOT EVEN THOUGH NO PROOF OF REPRODUCTION IS AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2024! IN VIEW OF THE NUMBERS (1 COUPLE) AND ACCORDING TO SWISS LAW CRITERIA, THIS IS NOT A PACK !

Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien

Breedind couple

Male : M426 
Female : F224

Members identified in 2024 : M426 (4x) - F224 (3x)

REPRODUCTION IN 2024 - AT LEAST 3 CUBS

History

A pair was formed in 2023 in the Dent du Salentin region. The breeding female is believed to be a wolf from the Chablais pack, litter 2021 or 2022. Her territory stretches from the Salvant/Finhaut/Emosson region to the Dent de Barme/Vérossaz and would extend to a buffer zone near Morgins. Attacks took place in the summer of 2024 in the Susanfe area, and the DNA of the breeding male was found on 2 of them. In this area, the French Hauts-Giffres pack, occupying a territory between Lac de la Vogealle and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, committed an attack 100m from the Franco-Swiss border. It has to be monitored for possible incursions into Swiss territory. This area is, however, not frequented by the Hauts-Forts pack.

The attacks on the Landzemon and Écorcha areas, near Vérossaz, are thought to be the work of the Salentin pack. We'll be keeping a close eye on the evolution of this pack, where 4 wolves were spotted by camera trap in August 2024. Following proactive regulation shots, the packs targeted above should have been monitored more closely, in order to observe any changes, dispersals, “stops” in neighbouring packs or regroupings. Unfortunately, this was not done, as genetics were absent from the packs in the Chablais Valais region in 2024. As can be seen in the first year of reproduction, the Salentin pack is quite deadly. 

Attacks/losses 2024

06/14 - 2 sheep
16/06 - 2 sheep
18/08 - 1 sheep 
19/08 - 2 sheep (in 2 attacks) 
08/22 - 1 sheep 
28/08 - 1 sheep
08/29 - 5 sheep
08/30 - 1 sheep
09/04 - 1 sheep - DNA F224
09/06 - 1 sheep *
09/07 - 3 sheep
09/11 - 2 sheep 
09/12 - 3 sheep 
09/18 - 1 goat - DNA M426 (breeding male)
09/19 - 1 sheep
09/19 - 1 sheep
10/05 - 2 sheep

* The area where this attack took place is a recognized buffer zone (Col and Pointe de Chésery) between the Chablais and Hauts-Forts packs. The Salentin pack can now be added, since the DNA of the breeding female, F224, was found on the body of the deceased sheep. 

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 15, 2024).

Photo illustration : Wolf Mission (M426 ou F212)

Breeding pair 

Male : M338 
Female : F121 

Members identified in 2023: F121 (3x), M338 (2x), M331 (1x), U156 (1x).

Members identified in 2024 : F239 (1X - filiation to test)

NO OFFICIAL REPRODUCTION IN 2024, THE AUTHORITIES COULDN'T ATTEST IT PUBLICALLY !

History

This pack would have had its first reproduction in 2023 (cubs spotted during monitoring). After an in-depth analysis of all the available data, it was found that the territory was very small and literally squeezed between the two other neighbouring packs. A skull was discovered in the spring of 2024, showing a probable act of poaching (a phenomenon which seems to be fairly frequent in this region, based on genetics and persistent rumours...), given the condition of the skull. In 2024, the evidence of presence is very weak, which seems to demonstrate that no pack resides in this area any more. Based on the DNA of the last two years, we can see that F121 comes from the Val d'Hérens pack (litter 2021, no longer identified since April 2023 in this area). M338 was first detected in February 2023. Private traps never showed more than one wolf at a time in this area, in 2022 and 2023.

In view of the official 2024 data, which are added to those already collected and examined, this pack may no longer exist. At least, no proof of reproduction exist in 2024.

Attacks/losses 2023

An attack took place in the “Erra d'en Haut” area, close to a probable buffer zone:

05/09 - 7 sheep

As no DNA was found, the identity of the pack responsible for this attack remains unresolved. However, based on all the available data, it is impossible to rule out the Mont-Brun pack - on the contrary. This attack, the only one in 2023 in the region, was a prerequisite for the proactive regulation of the Toules pack!

No reactive regulation authorization has been requested for 2023 and 2024, as the pack has never reached the required quotas.

Attacks/losses 2024

Currently none (October 20, 2024).

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

12/30 - 1 cub (F211)
01/01 - 1 cub (F213)

The Mont-Brun pack was in no way targeted by proactive control shots. As with the Hérens/Mandelon pack, knowledge of buffer zones is unfortunately lacking, as the authorities do not understand this scientific fact and do not seek to establish them. As a result, two cubs lost their lives - collateral damage that was largely avoidable !

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 13, 2024).


Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien

Breeding pair 

Male : M246
Female : F136

Members identified in 2023 : M246 (4x) - F136 (3x) - F163 (1x) - M279 (1x) - M317 (2x) - M386 (1x)

Members identified in 2024 : M246 (8x) - F136 (10x) - M386 (1x) - F201 (3x) - M422 (10x) - M317 (2x) - F207 (2x) - F239 (probably Mont-Brun pack)

REPRODUCTION IN 2024 - AT LEAST 7 CUBS

History

The pack was detected in the end of 2021, with a first reproduction in 2022. Its territory lies between Salins/Veysonnaz, Nendaz and Isérables/Verbier/Martigny regions, it's very large. Numerous sightings, including one of a distinctive individual, as well as droppings and DNA, have established the presence of this pack. It reproduced in 2023, with the birth of at least 2 cubs. 

This pack was mistakenly identified as two separate packs, but the DNA clearly showed that the breeding couple was in fact the same. The number of packs was not, however, corrected in the press releases following the proactive regulation (February 5, 2024).

We would like to acknowledge the excellent work of the wildlife wardens in charge of this pack, who provide an impressive number of samples for DNA analysis, thus ensuring quality monitoring. These data will also need to be analyzed, as errors are already highly likely in view of the shooting date of December 16, 2024.

Attacks/losses 2023

The pack is said to have committed 3 attacks this year, leading to the loss of 17 sheep:

07/02 - 7 sheep
08/29 - 3 sheep
08/31 - 7 sheep
 

No reactive regulation authorization has been requested for 2023, as the pack has not reached the required quotas.

Attacks/losses 2024

09/19 - 1 calf (less than 14 days old)

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

SUSPENSIVE EFFECT - ZERO SHOOTING.

NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 6 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

11/10 - 1 young wolf (attributed to the Hérens/Mandelon pack, parentage required)
11/23 - 1 young wolf
11/28 - 1 adult
12/02 - 1 young wolf
03/12 - 3 young wolves
05/12 - 1 adult
12/12 - 1 young wolf (attributed to the Hérens/Mandelon pack, parentage required)

SHOOTING AUTHORIZATION ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 19, 2024, FOR A SINGLE ATTACK IN 2024 (1 cALF LESS THAN 14 DAYS OLD). WE WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THE APPLICATION WENT UNNOTICED, DID NOT APPEAR ON THE HUNTING DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE (OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE) AND THAT THE FILE WAS NOT FORWARDED FOR EXAMINATION UNTIL DECEMBER 2, 2024! THE NENDAZ/ISÉRABLES PACK HAS A BUFFER ZONE WITH THE HÉRENS/MANDELON PACK.

Illustration photo : Marchais Arnaud

Breeding pair 

Male : currently none
Female : F97

Members identified in 2023 : M335 (2X) - F97 (2x) - F154 (1x) - M397 (1x) - M374 (3x, from August 2023)

Members identified in 2024 : M374 (3x) - F97 (6x) - M436 (7x) - M447 (1x - identified on a buffer zone)

NO REPRODUCTION IN 2024 !

History

This pack formed in 2020, with the birth of at least 4-5 cubs in 2021. The breeding couple was then M146 and F97. Following numerous attacks on herds, a shooting permit was issued in 2022. A 10-month-old female, F117, was shot on March 5, 2022 in Nendaz. A male, M220, was also shot 12 days later in Evolène. In 2022, the pack was at the center of a controversy when, following numerous losses, a shooting authorization requested by the cantonal authorities was refused by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (OFEV), as the protection conditions did not meet the standards for the few protected animals. In 2023, the federal court upheld the OFEV's decision. In 2023, the pack reproduced, with the birth of at least 5 cubs. You'll find the full story in our report, since the Val d'Hérens pack is...Arsene's pack!

16/12 - No official proof of reproduction, in the form of videos showing cubs, feeding and distinctive physical signs between April and June (prominent belly and/or teats) could be provided in 2024! The breeding female, F97, did not reproduce in 2024, as our videos show without any possible discussion. There remains the possibility, which we don't rule out given the way wolves function following massive regulation, that a sub-adult from 2022 mated, in this case with her brother from 2023 (not the same father) or a dispersing individual. However, we would like to point out that the sub-adult we are talking about, F154, has not been genetically identified throughout the territory (and in the year 2024), nor seen with signs of pregnancy or lactation. We therefore believe that the two cubs shot in November/December 2024 belonged to a neighbouring pack, most likely the Nendaz-Isérables pack. Indeed, we clearly identified a buffer zone between these two packs in 2023! On December 4, 2024, there were still a number of individuals (known to our team) in this pack that would prove our assessments, after the culling of 5 cubs and 1 adult... The parentage results will reveal their secrets this winter!

Attacks/losses 2023

The pack committed 4 attacks this year, leading to the loss of 5 sheep:

06/14 - 4 sheep (unprotected - hazardous attribution)
08/09 - 2 sheep - M374 (unprotected)
08/11 - 2 sheep) - M374 (protected
08/13 - 1 sheep (protected)
08/15 - 1 sheep - M374 (unprotected)
08/18 - 1 sheep (unprotected)
08/25 - 1 sheep (unprotected)
08/29 - 1 sheep (protected)
09/28 - 1 sheep (protected)
10/19 - 1 sheep (unprotected) *
11/21 - 7 sheep (unprotected) *
11/27 - 3 sheep (unprotected) *
11/29 - 6 sheep (unprotected) *
12/06 - 2 sheep (protected) *

* Given the location where the sheep has been killed and the DNA records of the Hérens and Anniviers packs, these attacks took place in a clear buffer zone. They may therefore have been committed by either of these two packs. Without DNA, there are still doubts as to the perpetrators of these attacks and the pack to which they should be attributed. 

We won't be providing any explanations about this pack, the attacks it has actually committed or those that have been attributed to it without proof or falsely, since an official report will be published in 2025, containing the entire history and evolution of the pack since its creation in 2021. There will be much to say, explain and detail...

No authorization for reactive regulation has been requested for 2023, as the pack has not reached the required quotas.

Attacks/losses 2024

01/31 - 1 goat (unprotected)
05/06 - 6 sheep (unprotected - fences not up to standard) *
05/18 - 3 sheep (unprotected - fences not up to standard) *
09/02 - 1 sheep (unprotected - animal not returned to park at night)
09/14 - 1 sheep (protected)
11/21 - 1 goat (possibly unprotected)
12/01 - 1 sheep (possibly protected)
12/11 - 2 sheep/goat (possibly protected)
12/21 - 4 sheep (possibly protected)
 

* Given the location where the sheep has been killed and the DNA records of the Hérens and Anniviers packs, these attacks took place in a clear buffer zone. They may therefore have been committed by either of these two packs. The DNA of M447 should be tested with both breeding couples. But without DNA, there are still doubts as to the perpetrators of these attacks and the pack to which they should be attributed.

12/16 : January 1 to present, the pack had killed 11 sheep. 8 were protected, 3 unprotected! At the time of the original application for regulation (August 2024), the pack had killed only one sheep in NON-PROTECTED status in 2024. Following the FOEN's refusal, a new application was made, at which point the pack had killed 1 sheep in a protected situation and 2 in an unprotected one. The definition of what constitutes significant damage to livestock is highly contentious in this case. Hoping to obtain less than 4-5 sheep killed in a protected situation, over the course of an entire year and affecting 2 or 3 different farms, is highly utopian! Based on thoroughly analyzed scientific data, the Hérens/Mandelon pack killed 9 sheep in 2023, including 4 were protected. Let's not forget that 5 wolves from the pack were killed in winter 2023/2024 (including the breeding male), and that it had clearly stabilized compared to 2021/2022. We'll be explaining the whole situation in great detail in the official report on the pack study in summer/autumn 2025.

2023: 4 animals killed in protected situations, on 2 different farms, and 5 wolves shot in winter 2023/2024.

2024: 4-5 animals killed in protected situations, on 2-3 different farms and possibly 1 adult wolf shot (parentage must be asked for the 3 wolves shot in autumn 2024).

 
Proactive regulation 2023-2024

12/05 - 1 young wolf (F203 - possibly not related to Hérens/Mandelon pack --> CONFIRMED RECEIVED : this is a cub of Ferpècle/Arolla pack)
12/07 - 1 adult (M379 - not related to the Hérens/Mandelon pack --> future breeding male of Ferpècle/Arolla)
12/07 - 1 young wolf (F204 - not relared to the Hérens/Mandelon pack --> cub of the Ferpècle/Arolla pack)
12/08 - 1 young wolf (F202)
12/13 - 1 young wolf (F214)
12/16 - 1 young wolf (F209)
12/18 - 1 adult (M397 - interchanged with M408 on the statement of authorities)
12/21 - 1 adult (M408) - not related to the Hérens/Mandelon pack
01/13 - 1 adult (M374)

Four of the nine individuals shot did not belong to the Hérens/Mandelon pack ! While in the case of M408, given the location of the shot (Les Rongiers, on the edge of the perimeter), we can assume that a disperser found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, there was no such thing as bad luck in the case of the other three individuals shot. The final report will deal in detail with this regulation phase and the problems encountered !

Official headcounts at November 30, 2023 : 3-4 adults & at least 5-6 cubs.

POST-REGULATION NUMBERS (MARCH 2024) : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

11/06 - 1 adult
11/10 - 1 young wolf (possibly a Nendaz/Isérables cub, parentage required)
12/12 - 1 louveteau (possibly a Nendaz/Isérables cub, parentage required)

The cantonal authorities requested that the entire pack be shot in the proactive regulation phase (from September 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025). This request was rejected by the Federal Office of the Environnement (OFEV) on September 11, 2024, as the conditions had not been met. The authorities wish to appeal.

Following a visit by Mr Favre, Valais State Councillor, to the Federal Palace to meet Albert Rösti and the Director of the OFEV (Federal Office for the Environment), the shooting permit was issued in October 2024. The shooting of this pack in no way complies with Article 9 of the Bern Convention !

NOTE: THE LOCATION OF THE NEIGHBORING PACK'S DEN (NENDAZ/ISÉRABLES) HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OUR TEAM SINCE SPRING 2023. IT LIES IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF A BUFFER ZONE WITH THE HÉRENS/MANDELON PACK, NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE CANTONAL AUTHORITIES. SO THE SHOOTING PERIMETER INCLUDES TWO EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND RECOGNIZED BUFFER ZONES WITH 2 DIFFERENT PACKS!

Photo : Wolf Mission (F154)

Breeding Pair 

Male : currently none (breeding male 2023 = M287)
Female : F102

Members identified in 2023 : M287 (4X) - F102 (3x) 

Members identified in 2024 : M419 (2x) - F102 (1x) - F238 (4X)

NO REPRODUCTION IN 2024 !

History

Formed in late 2022, the pack gave birth to its first litter of at least 3-4 cubs in 2023. It borders the Val d'Herens pack, with her territory covering Arolla, Ferpècle and La Sage/Villa. Numerous monitoring results show the presence, since november 2022, of two adult individuals, as well as droppings and DNA. The pack was particularly deadly in 2023, as you can see below. The pack's breeding male (M287) has been shot down the 15th of September 2023, through a legal shooting but in highly disputed circumstances...

Indeed, the whole region, including the hunting community, was aware that a pack had formed on this territory in 2023, based on the testimonies gathered and the monitoring evidence obtained. However, the authorities' communication was limited to the presence of a lone male (M287), and the authorization was filed on that basis. However, since monitoring clearly shows the presence of a pair since winter 2022/2023, the authorities should have waited until they could confirm, or not, the presence of cubs in the area (often between August and September, through monitoring). As a reminder, members of a breeding couple can only be shot between November and January, according to the law on hunting and the protection of wild mammals and birds (LChP) ! All the facts, evidence and articles of law were disregarded, and the pack lost its breeding male in September, leaving the female to manage at least 4 cubs on her own.

Very few DNA records are available for this pack either. We do know that F102, the breeding female, is still on the territory, as are at least one or two of the 2023 cubs (F238). M419 was previously identified on the territory of the Fou pack (December 2023), so could be a disperser. 

Attacks/losses 2023

The pack committed 18 attacks, leading to the loss of 52 sheep and 1 calf :

06/07 - 4 sheep           
06/10 - 3 sheep 
06/14 - 5 sheep
06/26 - 4 sheep (M287)
06/28 - 1 sheep
06/30 - 2 sheep (M287)
07/01 - 1 sheep
07/05 - 1 sheep
07/08 - 3 sheep
07/14 - 4 sheep
07/24 - 7 sheep
08/02 - 2 sheep
08/04 - 1 sheep (F102)
08/09 - 1 sheep
09/03 - 1 calf (F102)
09/06 - 5 sheep
09/14 - 1 sheep
09/18 - 2 sheep
11/24 - 5 sheep (F102)

The vast majority of attacks occurred in unprotected herds. However, following a predation attack on a genisson, a shooting authorization was issued in September. One individual was shot on September 15, 2023. Another attack, in June 2023, could also be the work of the Ferpècle pack (5 victims).
 

Attacks/losses 2024

Currently none (November 19, 2024).

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

12/05 - 1 cub (F203)
12/07 - 1 adult (M389)
12/07 - 1 cub (F204)

WARNING : this pack was in no way concerned by proactive regulation, and its shooting was never requested. The three individuals who lost their lives on December 5 and 7, 2023, were simply in a recognized buffer zone. They are collateral damage due to poor management/interpretation of territories. The final report on the Hérens/Mandelon pack will look in depth at the problems observed, which are unfortunately not improving.

NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 13, 2024).

Photo : Wolf Mission (M287)

Breeding pair 

Male : M441 (no DNA evidence available)
Female : F225

Members identified in 2023 : M186 (2x) - F113 (1x) - F172 (1x) - M268 (1x)

Members identified in 2024 : F225 (2x)

REPRODUCTION IN 2024 - 4 CUBS. 

History

The original pair of this pack, M73 & F24, formed in 2017 and reproduced every year until 2021. These two individuals had already been identified in Valais since 2016, but no further DNA records have been found since summer 2021 for M73 and since early 2022 for F24. According to observations and monitoring, no reproduction took place in 2022, which clearly suggests that M73 and F24 died, which is more than plausible given their age. Other individuals are present on the territory, since wolves were observed in 2022 and 2023, including through monitoring. During the summer 2023, two individuals were filmed several times by a farmer, using thermal vision. Although no evidence of cubs (videos) could be provided, according to the monitoring, it would appear that food transport took place in late spring. This shows that a new couple has settled in, the pack is perpetuating itself but has, as is logical, changed its habits somewhat, with a new couple at its head (functioning, organization, movements etc.). As no genetic evidence is available, the possible affiliation of any of the current members of the breeding pair with the founding members of the Val d'Anniviers pack is impossible to prove at the moment.

It should be noted that M186, which had been in the territory since the end of 2021 (coming from Val de Bagnes), was found dead on January 4, 2023, of unknown cause. F113, a female born in the Augstbord pack in 2021, made a brief appearance in Nax region in winter 2023, before returning to her original pack. At present, there is no DNA evidence or monitoring data to suggest that a brand new pack has settled between the one in Val d'Anniviers and the one in Augstbord. It is possible, however, that the Augstbord pack has placed its cubs on the left bank of the Turtmänna river, close to the Anniviers territory. F113, a sub-adult of the Augstbord pack, was identified in the Plan Palet/Niouc region in April 2024. A buffer zone between these two packs is well known, in the Bois de Finges area. According to the territory survey, it's not impossible either that a sub-adult from the Ferpècle pack, also nearby, is making exploratory excursions to Lac de Moiry, Grimentz, Orzival, etc. We need DNA and parentage studies to gain a true understanding of what's going on in the territories and between the packs. And this should be a priority, well before the shooting, since such data could then be used to avoid shooting errors that occurred during proactive regulation. Without in-depth study and analysis, only part of the iceberg is visible - think twice !

There are currently 3 adults in the pack, plus 3 cubs (video evidence).


Attacks/losses 2023

The pack could have committed 5 attacks, leading to the loss of 18 sheep :

01/22 - 1 sheep
10/19 - 1 goat *
11/21 - 7 sheep *
11/27 - 3 sheep *
11/29 - 6 sheep *

* Given the location where the sheep has been killed and the DNA records of the Hérens and Anniviers packs, these attacks took place in a clear buffer zone. They may therefore have been committed by either of these two packs. Without DNA, there are still doubts as to the perpetrators of these attacks and the pack to which they should be attributed. 

No information is available on the protection provided during these attacks.

It should be noted that no attacks were committed during the entire summer period, as the herds present on the pack's territory applied official measures of protection in large numbers, notably thanks to the presence of numerous guardian dogs (in addition to electrified fences and the presence of a shepherd).

No authorization for reactive regulation has been requested for 2023, as the pack has not reached the required quotas.
 

Attacks/losses 2024

05/06 * - 6 sheep (unprotected - fences not up to standard, no dogs or shepherds)
05/18 * - 4 sheep (unprotected - fences not up to standard, no dogs or shepherds) - DNA M447

* Given the location where the sheep has been killed and the DNA records of the Hérens and Anniviers packs, these attacks took place in a clear and recognized buffer zone. They may therefore have been committed by either of these two packs. The DNA of M447 should be tested with both breeding pairs. 

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

Not concerned (no shooting).

NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 13, 2024).

Photo: STC (F113)

Breeding pair 

The genetic identity of the members of the breeding couple is currently unknown, as no data could be analyzed in Switzerland.

Members identified in 2023 : M388 (1x).

Members identified in 2024 : currently none (December 2024).

REPRODUCTION IN 2024 - 3 CUBS (den/rendezvous point identified and located in France) !

History

This pack was detected in 2021, in France. More than 90% of its territory is in France, in the Bernex and Dent d'Oche regions. The center of its home range is also in France. In Switzerland, the pack is present in the St-Gingolph region, where footprints and droppings are sometimes found. In 2023, the Dent d'Oche pack reproduced, giving birth to at least 4 cubs. 

We are pleased to announce that the adult wolf killed by road traffic in the pack's territory last January is not the Dent d'Oche breeding male. It is believed to be a dispersing male.

Over the last two-three years, the Dent d'Oche pack has been the target of numerous poaching attempts in France.

At the end of June 2024, a sub-adult female was bitten by 2 Kangal (guardian dogs). The condition of her injuries is unknown at present but she seems to be back on track now but it seems she's back on track (September 10, 2024).

The last evidences we got in the end of summer 2024 show 3 adults and 3 cubs (video).
 

Attacks/losses 2023

In 2023, the pack could have committed one attack on its territory :

08/04 - 1 Highland calf

But after lengthy research and evaluation of the territories of the Chablais and Dent d'Oche packs, the former may also have committed this attack. No details were given of the protective measures used, nor was any DNA collected from the carcass.

No authorization for reactive control shooting was requested in 2023 and 2024, as the pack had not reached the required quotas.
 

Attacks/losses 2024

09/17 - 3 sheep

Proactive regulation 2023-2024

Not concerned (no shooting).

NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES (proofs in Switzerland and in France).

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 13, 2024).
 

Photo : Wolf Mission (unidentified wolf)

Breeding pair

The genetic identity of the members of the breeding couple is currently unknown, as no data could be analyzed in Switzerland.

Members identified in 2024 : none

REPRODUCTION IN 2024 (3 CUBS AND ANOTHER ONE HAS BEEN FOUND DECEASED IN SWITZERLAND).

History

The Posettes is a cross-border pack, occupying part of French territory around Vallorcine. It had already made an incursion into Switzerland in the early 2020s. Then, following an avalanche, two individuals were found dead on April 21, 2023 (M357 & F177). In 2023, it was no longer seen or recognized on Swiss territory. In 2024, it would occupy a territory in the Trient/Châtelard region. It should not be confused with the Salentin pack, with which it certainly shares a buffer zone, which we are currently evaluating in greater depth. 

Attacks/losses 2024

The pack seems to have committed only one attack in 2024 :

08/22 - 1 sheep           

Proactive regulation 2024-2025

Not concerned yet (December 13, 2024).


Photo : F. Bruggmann