Switzerland's New App Tracks Wolves and Bears in Real Time
A new app has been launched in Switzerland to track large predators like wolves, bears, and lynxes. The tool comes as reports grow of cattle behaving unusually due to increased wolf activity in the Alps. The Grisons Wildlife Protection Agency developed the app to log sightings of wolves, bears, lynxes, wildcats, and golden jackals. Users record the location, time, and type of observation, feeding data into a central AJF database. This system replaces older tracking methods introduced in 2020.
An interactive map on the AJF website now displays all recorded observations, sorted by species and date. The focus remains on wolves, especially in the Surselva region, where three packs are known to roam. Livestock owners receive faster alerts when predators are spotted nearby. Recent reports highlight changes in cattle behaviour, with herds appearing more agitated. Some frightened animals have even broken out of enclosures. Inadequate protective measures have allowed certain wolves to bypass defences, targeting sheep, lambs, and goats. The AJF site also lists every confirmed livestock attack since June 1, 2020.
The new app aims to improve predator monitoring and help farmers protect their animals. Officials have not confirmed the total number of wolf packs across the Swiss Alps. However, the system provides clearer data on where and when encounters occur.
