DEPREDATION
Depredation on livestock is the most important cause for conflict around the return of the wolf, but it is also the most obvious evidence of its presence. AGRIDEA is the national centre for consultation on livestock protection. Information on livestock protection is published on the website herdenschutzschweiz.ch and in the annual reports Jahresberichten Herdenschutz. Sheep are the livestock species depredated most often . Larger species like cattle and horses are killed by wolves less frequently. The differentiation between livestock kills caused by wolves and domestic dogs is not easy and only a genetic analysis can provide certainty. Damage to livestock and crops caused by wolves is compensated jointly by the federal government (80%, since 1 January 2026) and the relevant canton (20%).
Damages to livestock by wolves in Switzerland and reimbursed by the FOEN. Please note: The year 2025 is not directly comparable – see the explanation below. Source: © FOEN, Graph: © KORA
Damages to Livestock Caused by Wolves and Reimbursed by the FOEN
As of 2025, the compensation rules have changed: the FOEN now compensates only livestock losses that occurred in protected situations, or when immediate measures were taken after an attack. The figures for 2025 are therefore not directly comparable with those of previous years, particularly as the data for November and December 2025 are not yet included.