FRENCH SPEAKING VALAIS PACKS
On this page, we present the packs of the French-speaking part of Valais, their history, genetic records, and a list of attacks and number of victims per year. Updates will be made every one to two months so that you can follow their progress.
All the information and figures in these presentations come from official services and entities (KORA Center, Cantonal Services) as well as observations and field studies carried out by our entire team throughout the year. Each piece of data is processed, analyzed, and interpreted based on wolf behavior and knowledge of the pack in question, its territory, and the many other factors that also come into play.
To help you, we highlight in yellow all changes made during updates in the sections for each pack (with the exception of genetic data) or data that is important for a better overall understanding (orange).
Last update: March 26, 2026
(photo: F. Bruggmann)
THE CHABLAIS PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : Identity currently unknown (breeding male 2019-2023 = M88 / 2025 = M609)
Female: F43
Members identified in 2026 : F354 (pup 2025 - shot dead) - M650 (shot dead)
Members identified in 2025 : F43 - F289 (subadult 2023) - M609 - M625 - F315 (pup) - F320 (pup) - F321 (pup) - F322 (pup)
M624 (pup) - M388 (not a member of the pack, see below), M650 and F350 (pups killed in a car crash around Morgins)
Members identified in 2024 : M88 (shot dead) - M417 (pup shot but no genetic connection to the Chablais pack) - F43 - U478
Members identified in 2023: F43 - M88 - M202 - F174 - F175
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : 2 TO 3 WOLVES STILL ON THE TERRITORY (FRANCE/SWITZERLAND)
History
The pack was first detected in 2019, with the birth of 7 pups. 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 pups were born and identified as F70, F71, M142 and M143. In 2023, the Chablais pack also reproduced, with the birth of at least 5 pups. 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 pup 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!
The Chablais pack, having lost its long-standing breeding male (M88) in January 2024, did not breed in 2024.
At the end of 2024, the Chablais pack had 3 individuals, photographed and observed several times. The breeding female, F43, is still present.
Proof of reproduction has been provided for the year 2025! A new male, whose identity is still unknown, is present and seems to be causing more problems in terms of attacks on livestock than the original breeding male, which was killed in January 2024 during the first phase of proactive regulation (M88). Indeed, pressure is currently very high on local farms, with 12 losses already in protected areas (compared to 7 in 2023 and at least 4 in 2024). This was to be expected when the decision was made, for political rather than scientific or justified reasons, to remove a non-problematic pack that had never reached the quotas required for any form of regulation in five years! Now, after a year without reproduction, the situation is much worse than it was during the previous six years. Local farmers can thank the cantonal and political authorities for this absurd decision, the consequences of which were entirely predictable and are far from favorable to the local pastoral community!
On the eve of Christmas, the pack had already lost at least six confirmed members, including five pups (one male and four females). F43, the breeding female who is also the oldest she-wolf currently present in Valais, has so far escaped culling. According to our latest videos, she is accompanied by at least two pups. Unfortunately, as mentioned in the section on the Dent d'Oche pack (also a cross-border pack but not validated by the authorities or KORA for reasons that are inexplicable, except for a lack of monitoring because it was filmed in Switzerland, in addition to certified evidence of reproduction), the adult male shot in November in the Chablais shooting zone could be the breeding male of the Dent d'Oche pack.
Three days before the end of proactive regulation, 10 shots were fired in the territory of the Chablais pack, including five pups and three adults. Only the adult shot in the Savalène valley can be confirmed as belonging to the Chablais pack. M388 is 99.99% likely to be the breeding male of the neighboring Dent d'Oche pack, and the parentage of the third individual will certainly not be determined (or made public, which would be another issue related to the transparency of public data).
As of March 19, we can confirm, based on evidence, the presence of two wolves in the area, including the breeding female F43 (possibly part of a pair). The presence of a third individual cannot be ruled out, though there is no certainty regarding its lineage or affiliation.
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 very likely a descendant of the Chablais pack (parentage to be proven).
Attacks/losses 2025
07/03 - 1 calf
07/08 - 1 sheep (protected)
07/08 - 9 sheep (protected)
07/11 - 1 calf
08/17 - 2 sheep (protected)
08/20 - 1 calf
08/27 - 1 sheep (protected)
08/28 - 4 sheep (protected)
As of October 18, 2025, there are 9 attacks and 23 losses recorded in the Hunting Department's report. This means that 1 attack and 2 losses are missing from the interactive map. Once again, there are problems with the consistency of public data.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026)
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
01/05 - 1 adult - M88 (breeding male of the Chablais pack)
01/20 - 1 pup - M417 (not related to the Chablais pack - most likely from the neighboring pack of Dent d'Oche)
Official headcounts at November 30, 2023 : 2 adults, 1-2 subadults & at least 4 pups.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION 2024 : NO REPRODUCTION !
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2024.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : 3 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION 2025 : CONFIRMED (8 PUPS)
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
The cantonal authorities have requested that the entire pack be shot. An article has been written on our blog about this issue, which is entirely the result of cantonal and political decisions.
09/16 - 1 wolf cub - M624
09/18 - 1 wolf cub - F320
09/19 - 1 wolf cub - F315
09/19 - 1 wolf cub - F321
09/20 - 1 adult wolf (M609 - shooting adults is not allowed during this period!)
09/24 - 1 wolf cub - F322
09/29 - 1 adult wolf (M625 - shooting adults is not allowed during this period!)
11/08 - 1 adult wolf - M388 (probably the breeding male of the Dent d'Oche pack)
01/19 - 1 pup - F354
01/21 - 1 adult wolf - M650
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE HAUTS-FORTS PACK
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 between 2022 and March 16, 2026. This demonstrates that the work carried out on this pack is very poor, since no DNA samples were ever provided other than those taken from wolves that were shot. It is impossible to understand, let alone establish anything, in the complete absence of genetic data!
In 2022, only two wolves were identified: M213 & M274 (when he has been legally shot on July 22, 2022, a member of the Chablais pack by the way).
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES (FRANCE & SWITZERLAND)
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 pup. 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 pups 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 pups have been seen lately (possible mortality). The center of the home range of this pack (den + "meeting" place) has been authenticated in France.
At the end of 2024, the breeding pair was present in French territory, so the pack could breed in 2025!
In 2025, no official proof of reproduction could be provided. There is indeed a couple present, and possible evidence of a pregnant she-wolf in France, but to date, no pup have been filmed. This pack can therefore no longer be counted as such. Huge and gross errors have been made with this pack, due to a lack of genetic tracking and monitoring in Switzerland. It is now clear that this pack only makes minor incursions, which may even have been stopped when the Salentin pack was established!
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.
Attacks/losses 2025
NONE IN 2025.
Attacks/losses 2026
CURRENTLY NONE (MARCH 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
SUSPENSIVE EFFECT - ZERO SHOOTING.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3-4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES (FRANCE).
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : NOT CONFIRMED.
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : 2 WOLVES (FRANCE)
REPRODUCTION 2025 : NO EVIDENCE OF REPRODUCTION
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned in 2025/2026.
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE TOULES PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : M230
Female : F151
Members identified in 2026 : Currently none (March 19, 2026).
Members identified in 2025 : M230 - F151 - M587 (probable pup 2025) - M588 (probable pup 2025)
Members identified in 2024 : F212 (pup * - shot dead) - F151 - M230 - M521 (adult - shot dead)
Members identified in 2023: F131 - M334 - F151 - M230 - M407 (pup - shot dead) - F211 (pup * - shot dead).
* Shooting error, pups belonging to the Mont-Brun pack
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 2-3 WOLVES
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 pup. Unfortunately, during the proactive regulation phase, two pups 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 !
At this time, no official evidence of reproduction has been provided. This is expected to change in the fall, based on monitoring data (videos of the pups or feeding). It should be noted that it will be mandatory to obtain more genetic samples from this pack, especially within the sole designated hunting area where no samples have been collected since 2022—a serious oversight. The culling of this pack is a complete failure from every perspective, and we know exactly why. It is regrettable to note that the authorities have made no progress whatsoever in their assessments between 2023 and 2025, demonstrating that the data is not being used effectively. This is a positive development for the Toules pack, which ultimately lost only two pups across two culling phases. Perhaps a stroke of karma, a fitting outcome given the few attacks it has committed in two years—which in no way makes it a problematic pack!
It should be noted that as of August 31, 2025, only a single DNA sample had been collected, which is far too few to understand the pack’s dynamics, the identities of its members, or any changes within the group. As of October 18, the identification of the breeding female and two probable pups was added. The only signs of presence recorded since August 2025 indicate just a single wolf, which is quite suspicious. As a reminder, the breeding pair from the neighboring Mont-Brun pack vanished without any connection to proactive culling or any form of legal hunting.
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)
Attacks/losses 2025
07/23 - 2 goat (August 31, 2025)
The attack took place at the border, so it may have been carried out by Italian individuals (a pack present in this area in Italy). After receiving the DNA results, it turns out that this attack was not carried out by the Toules pack but by an Italian pack present in the Aosta region.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (January 28, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
12/17 - 1 cub - M407 (pup from the Toules Pack)
12/30 - 1 cub - F211 - (no connection with the Toules pack --> pup fomr the Mont-Brun pack)
01/01 - 1 cub - F212 - (no connection with the Toules pack --> pup fomr the Mont-Brun pack)
Official headcounts at November 30, 2023 : 2 adults & at least 1 cub.
NUMBERS IN MARCH MARCH 2024: 3-4 WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION 2024: CONFIRMED (AT LEAST 2 PUPS)
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
09/20 - 1 adult - F239 (no connection with the Toules pack --> subadult from the Mont-Brun pack)
11/18 - 1 adult - M500 (no connection with the Toules pack)
11/28 - 1 adult - M506 (no connection with the Toules pack)
11/30 - 1 cub - F274 (no connection with the Toules pack --> pup fomr the Mont-Brun pack)
12/17 - 1 adult - M521 (no connection with the Toules pack)
01/07 - 1 cub - F280 (pup from the Toules pack)
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 ! Ideally, the shot adult wolves should be tested with the Toules and Mont-Brun breeding pair (possible subadults).
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. Additional evidence is required, particularly in the form of a new attack in a protected situation.
However, following a visit by Mr. Favre, Valaisan State Councillor, to Albert Rösti and the director of the OFEV/BAFU, and despite the fact that the aforementioned additional evidence does not exist, permission to shoot was granted in September 2024. An adult individual has already been shot by a hunter, even though the directives, clearly specified by the OFEV/BAFU and noted in black and white on the communication from the Vaud DGE (Directorate General for the Environment) but forgotten and denied by Mr. Favre, require that young individuals be shot first, until October 31. The shooting of this pack in no way fulfills Article 9 of the Bern Convention! Furthermore, as of November 9, 2024, no video of the wolf cubs (number therefore unknown) could be provided by the authorities!
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025: 3 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION 2025: CONFIRMED (AT LEAST 2 PUPS)
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned in 2025/2026. The authorities can count themselves lucky that no members of the breeding pair were affected by proactive regulation in 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, when this pack should never has been included in the first place ! Fortunately, the pack lost only two pups in two phases, proving that the Toules pack is perfectly stable and does not prey on livestock (2 attacks in 2024, zero in 2025 - as of October 18). This was an extremely poor assessment by the authorities, who were lucky not to cause any major damage to the breeding pair, which would probably have led to the same destabilization as the Chablais pack and could have increased pressure on local livestock farms.
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE SALENTIN PACK
Breedind couple
Male : M426
Female : F224
Members identified in 2026 : M426 (breeding male - shot dead January 2026) - F355 (pup 2025 - shot dead)
Members identified in 2025 : M426 - M527 (subadult 2024) - U590 - F224
Members identified in 2024 : M426 - F224 - M518 (pup 2024)
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 3 INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE BREEDING PAIR.
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.
At the end of 2024, the pack still had the breeding pair and 3 to 4 cubs present.
In August 2024, reproduction has been confirmed, with a number of pups still officially unknown (at least 3). It has proven to be quite deadly in terms of attacks on livestock, having already killed 17 sheep in a protected area. In 2024, this pack was responsible for more than half of the losses that occurred in protected areas in the French-speaking part of Valais (21). Despite this, it was not the pack chosen by the authorities for proactive regulation (which is supposed to target problematic packs and reduce pressure on livestock farms, remember!) but Les Toules, Hérens-Mandelon & Nendaz-Isérables, which had killed only three unfortunate farm animals in protected areas in 2024, between the three of them! Political decisions, lack of common sense, lack of reflection—the factors behind these decisions must be examined, because the authorities are not acting in any way to remove the real problem packs and promote coexistence! To everyone's surprise, this pack is not affected by proactive regulation in any form, despite being at the top of the list of the most deadly packs in 2025.
The complete regulation of the Salentin pack was approved by the federal authorities at the end of September 2025. To date (12/22/25), no wolves have been killed within the established perimeter. As a reminder, the Salentin pack was not included on the map of Valais packs drawn up in autumn 2024 by the cantonal authorities, even though reproduction had been confirmed. The spatial and temporal management of the Salentin pack, like that of the Hauts-Forts pack, seems to pose some problems of understanding.
As of January 28, three wolves had been observed: at least two pups and one member of the breeding pair. There is therefore a 99% chance that one of the two adults shot was not part of the breeding pair. However, nearly two months after the last shooting, the genetic test results have still not been released.
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.
Attacks/losses 2025
06/10 - 1 sheep (protected)
06/16 - 3 sheep (situation to be assessed - problem detected)
06/27 - 3 sheep (protected)
07/02 - 1 sheep (situation to be assessed - problem detected)
07/08 - 6 sheep (protected)
07/08 - 1 sheep (protected)
08/03 - 3 sheep (situation to be assessed - problem detected)
08/08 - 2 sheep (protected)
08/09 - 3 sheep (protected)
08/23 - 1 sheep (protected)
09/05 - 1 sheep (protected)
09/11 - 4 sheep (protected)
As of October 18, 2025, 12 attacks have been reported, resulting in 31 losses in protected situations. However, problems have been identified, and it will be necessary to clarify the reasons for this.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AU MOINS 4 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION 2025 : CONFIRMED (AT LEAST 2 PUPS)
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
The firing of the entire pack was validated and authorized on September 28, 2025. TWO FATAL SHOTS ON JANUARY 28, 2026 :
01/06 - 1 adult wolf - M658 (possible subadult)
01/20 - 1 adult wolf - M426 (breeding male)
01/31 - 1 pup - F355
Photo illustration : Wolf Mission (M426 ou F212)
THE MONT-BRUN PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : possibly M567 (2023-2024 = M338)
Female : possibly F302 (2023-2024 = F121)
Members identified in 2026 : Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Members identified in 2025 : M567 - F302
Members identified in 2024 : F239 (subadult 2023)
Members identified in 2023: F121 - M338 - M331 - U156
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 2 WOLVES ON THE TERRITORY (COUPLE)
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.
At the end of 2024, this pack was no longer validated by the cantonal authorities and the KORA. Only one individual was identified in the territory, F239 (she has been shot dead the 20th of September during the proactive regulation). Without a parentage, it is impossible to know where this young female comes from (Mont-Brun, Nendaz/Isérables, Les Toules or disperser. It is rather critical to note that only one sample was collected for the whole of 2024, which is really insufficient. The presence of the breeding pair has therefore not been confirmed, the only certainty being that neither of the two members died during the proactive regulation phases. Their probable disappearance is thought to be due to poaching, as a settled pair does not simply vanish like this! The case of this pack's disappearance shows, even without bodies, that illegal activities are indeed taking place, regardless of the methods used. But you'd have to be stupid to wipe out one of the few packs that had never caused any official damage to livestock...!
Currently, a pair has been identified, but it does not appear that reproduction took place in 2025. However, it is highly likely to occur in 2026. We would like to point out that the two members of the original breeding pair (M338 & F121) were not killed by proactive culling, i.e., legally. The persistent rumors of poaching are therefore confirmed, unfortunately without the culprit(s) being caught, which requires field monitoring. The predations of 2025 (two calves killed) are therefore the direct consequence of poor management of this pack, poorly executed proactive culling, and the stupidity of poachers, who kill stable, non-problematic pairs and packs.
Attacks/losses 2023
An attack took place in the “Erra d'en Haut” area, close to a probable buffer zone with "Toules" pack and a second one that was attributed to the Mont-Brun pack :
05/09 - 7 sheep (attributed to the Toules pack)
11/13 - 1 calf
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
None in 2024.
Attacks/losses 2025
07/24 - 1 calf
08/05 - 1 calf
It should be noted that when the original Mont-Brun pack was in place (M338 & F121), between late 2022 and 2024, there were no attacks on its territory. With legal culling resulting in the death of three pups and one subadult in 2 years, and illegal culling likely leading to the disappearance of the breeding pair (DNA no longer detected since spring 2023), the territory now appears to have changed “owners” (M567 & F302). And the consequences of lethal interventions of all kinds will also lead to a possible increase in predation. It is regrettable that so many mistakes were made with this pack.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026)
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
12/30 - 1 pup - F211 (killed by mistake during the culling of the neighboring Toules pack)
01/01 - 1 pup - F213 (killed by mistake during the culling of the neighboring Toules pack)
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 !
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : CONFIRMED BUT NUMBER UNKNOWN
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025 - On the other hand, it shares a buffer zone with the Toules pack, which is subject to proactive regulation.
09/20 - 1 adult - F239 (subadult killed by mistake during the culling of the neighboring Toules pack) - OFEV/BAFU regulations not respected, only the pups could be shot on this date!
11/30 - 1 pup - F274 (killed by mistake during the culling of the neighboring Toules)
Once again, the Mont-Brun pack was not targeted by proactive culling. But as the authorities have not reevaluated their data, it has once again paid the price for their glaring mistakes!
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : 1 WOLF
REPRODUCTION 2025 : NO REPRODUCTION
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned in 2025/2026.
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE NENDAZ-ISÉRABLES PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : M551 (male 2022-2024 = M246)
Female : F136
Members identified in 2026 : F357 (pup - shot dead)
Members identified in 2025 : F136 - M551 - M610 (pup - shot dead) - F342 (pup - shot dead)
Members identified in 2024 : M246 - F136 - M386 - F201 - M422 - M317 - F207 - M513 (pup - shot dead) -
M514 (pup - shot dead, filiation to test) - M516 (pup - shot dead) - F278 (pup - shot dead)
Members identified in 2023 : M246 - F136 - F163 - M279 - M317 - M386
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING COUPLE.
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.
Before the start of proactive regulation, in November 2024, the pack had at least 4 to 5 adults and 6 to 8 cubs.
Unfortunately, on November 6, 2024, the breeding male of this pack was shot on the outskirts of the territory of Herens/Mandelon, a pack then targeted by proactive regulation. The presence of a male was observed in early December, only one month after the death of the original breeding male in the proactive regulation.
Our observations have been confirmed, as the male spotted during monitoring on December 4, 2024, barely one month after the disappearance of M246 (the original breeding male), is indeed the new leader of the pack and father of the 2025 litter. We hope that the case of the Chablais pack, with an increase in attacks and pressure on livestock with the new breeding male, will not echo that of Nendaz-Isérables. Unfortunately, when shooting in stable, low-problem packs, this is indeed an outcome to be expected, as it changes the composition, management, and organization of the pack. For the moment, the pack has committed only one attack, and only one wolf has been seen in this area, so be careful in the buffer zone!
Unfortunately, for a single attack to date in 2025 (October 18), which is not mentioned in the file, the Valais authorities have decided to cull two-thirds of the wolf pups! We continue to see a series of decisions that are anything but based on science, the behavior of wolves/packs, and nature.
As of January 28, 2026, three wolf cubs have been killed as part of proactive regulation. The identity of one of them is already known (F342). Unfortunately, a young wolf died in a traffic accident near Bovernier. For the moment, its parentage is unknown, so it cannot be linked with certainty to the Nendaz-Isérables pack because, given its winter movements (dispersion, exploratory excursions), it could come from another pack, either nearby or further away. To be continued...
On February 15, 2026, a young wolf was killed in a traffic accident in the Val de Bagnes. It will be interesting to see, if it is ever disclosed, the lineage of this wolf. It could have come from the Nendaz-Isérables pack, the Toules pack, or even the Mauvoisin pack (although the latter seems to spend more time on Italian territory during the winter).
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)
Attacks/losses 2025
07/30 - 4 sheep (protected)
Three attacks took place outside the territory of the Nendaz-Isérable pack, above Fionnay (49 victims, more than 45 of which fell into a ravine – extremely problematic livestock farming, known for its poor protection and management), another involving 4 sheep nearby, and a third on the Mauvoisin dam (1 calf). It is therefore highly likely that an individual probably belonging to an Italian pack, present on Mont Rion and Mont-Gelé, is responsible for these three attacks.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
SUSPENSIVE EFFECT - ZERO SHOOTING.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 6 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : AT LEAST 7 PUPS
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
11/06 - 1 adult - M246 (breeding male from Nendaz/Isérables – shot at the edge of the Hérens/Mandelon territory – shooting error)
11/23 - 1 cub - M501 (pup from the Nendaz-Isérables pack)
11/28 - 1 adult - F207 (subadult from the Nendaz-Isérables pack)
12/02 - 1 cub - M515 (pup from the Nendaz-Isérables pack)
03/12 - 3 cubs - M513 - M516 - F278 (pups from the Nendaz-Isérables pack)
05/12 - 1 adult - F283 (subadult from the Nendaz-Isérables pack)
12/12 - 1 cub - M514 (attributed to Hérens/Mandelon but has no connection with it, logically since it did not reproduce in 2024)
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.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : 2-3 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION IN 2025 : AT LEAST 4 PUPS
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
The authorities have decided to cull two-thirds of the wolf pups in Nendaz-Isérables (for one single attack) :
11/23 - 1 pup (F342)
12/17 - 1 pup (M610)
01/20 - 1 pup - still no DNA result
Illustration photo : Marchais Arnaud
THE HÉRENS-MANDELON PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : currently none (2021/2022 = M146 / 2023 = M374)
Female : F97
Members identified in 2026 : F97
Members identified in 2025 : M436 - F97
Members identified in 2024 : M374 - F97 - M436 - M447 (identified on a buffer zone) - M408 (shot dead - dispersing wolf)
F238 (exploratory excursion - pup 2023 from Ferpècle/Arolla)
Members identified in 2023 : M335 - F97 - F154 (subadult 2022) - M397 (subadult 2022 - shot dead) - M374 (shot dead) - F202 (pup 2023 - shot dead) - F209 (pup 2023 - shot dead) - F214 (pup 2023 - shot dead)
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026: AT LEAST 2 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING FEMALE.
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!
31/12/24 - No evidence of official 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 breed in 2024, our videos show this without any possible discussion. There remains the possibility, which we do not exclude in view of the way the wolf functions following a massive cull, that a subadult from 2022 may have mated, in this case with its brother from 2023 (not the same father) or an individual in dispersion. However, we would like to point out that the subadult we are talking about, F154, has not been genetically identified anywhere in the territory (or in the year 2024), nor has she been seen with any signs of pregnancy or lactation. KORA has not confirmed any official reproduction for this pack! Therefore, we believe that the cub shot in December 2024 could belong to the neighboring pack of Nendaz/Isérables. 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, this after the killing of 5 cubs and 1 adult... The parentage results will reveal their secrets in 2025!
Of the three shots fired during the proactive cull, it would appear that none hit a member of the Herens/Mandelon pack. Since, strangely, the location of the shots is no longer given, it is clear that this location most certainly played a role in the shooting of at least two of the three individuals killed (buffer zones are still ignored by the authorities!).
At the end of 2024, there were at least 3 adult individuals remaining in the territory.
There are currently three adult wolves in the pack, including two females (a breeding female and a subadult). M436, a subadult born in 2023, may leave the pack in the coming weeks, beginning dispersal given his age and the situation. No reproduction will take place in 2025, based on solid evidence gathered. In the absence of a breeding male and if M436 leaves or has already dispersed, the pack can no longer be considered as such. This is because a pack must either consist of at least three individuals or have reproduced in the current year.
This pack, along with the Ferpècle-Arolla pack (whose presence is clearly in question in 2025), are the only ones among those targeted by proactive regulation and having lost a breeding male that have not reproduced since. Among other factors, it is possible that the culling of a large number of dispersers, particularly males, during the 2024/2025 regulation phase is one of the causes.
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: 5 animals killed in protected situation, on 2 different farms, and 5 wolves shot in winter 2023/2024 (the breeding male, 1 subadult 2022 and 3 pups 2023).
2024: 8 animals killed in protected situation (only one at the time of the request for proactive regulation in September 2024...), on 2-3 different farms and no wolf of the pack killed during the proactive regulation 2024/2025.
Attacks/losses 2025
05/21 - 1 sheep (protected)
05/25 - 1 sheep (unprotected)
08/04 - 1 sheep (unprotected)
We noticed a big problem at a certain level. Fortunately, it did not have any adverse consequences at this stage.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
12/05 - 1 pup - F203 (not related to the Hérens-Mandelon pack - pup 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 pup - F204 (not relared to the Hérens-Mandelon pack --> pup of the Ferpècle-Arolla pack)
12/08 - 1 pup - F202 (pup from Hérens-Mandelon pack)
12/13 - 1 pup - F214 (pup from Hérens-Mandelon pack)
12/16 - 1 pup - F209 (pup from Hérens-Mandelon pack)
12/18 - 1 adult - M397 (subadult 2022 from Hérens-Mandelon pack)
12/21 - 1 adult - M408 (not related to the Hérens-Mandelon pack - dispersing wolf)
01/13 - 1 adult - M374 (breeding male 2023 from Hérens-Mandelon pack)
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.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024) : 4 WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : NO REPRODUCTION !
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
11/06 - 1 adult - M246 (breeding male of Nendaz-Isérables, shot before the official authorization of this pack !)
11/10 - 1 cub - F238 (subadult 2023 of the Ferpècle-Arolla pack)
12/12 - 1 cub - M514 (has no connection with Hérens-Mandelon, logically since the latter did not reproduce in 2024!)
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!
As clearly shown by the shooting results of these two phases of proactive regulation for the Hérens-Mandelon pack, the outcome is clearly negative! Many individuals from neighboring packs (Ferpècle-Arolla & Nendaz-Isérables) are shot “by mistake” (which is no longer the case at this stage), demonstrating a very poor assessment of territories and a total disregard for buffer zones and shooting perimeters to be avoided! This is extremely regrettable because if we had been consulted, we could have provided a great deal of evidence and information that would undoubtedly have prevented most of these shooting errors. The inability to communicate with the cantonal authorities is deplorable, as is the validation of the perimeters by the Federal Office of the Environment (FOEN) and KORA without inspection or further investigation.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : 3 WOLVES (2 FEMALES AND 1 MALE)
REPRODUCTION IN 2025 : NO REPRODUCTION !
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned in 2025/2026.
Photo : Wolf Mission (F154)
THE FERPÈCLE-AROLLA PACK
Breeding Pair 
Male : Identity currently unknown (breeding male 2023 = M287)
Female : F347 (2023 = F102)
Members identified in 2026 : currently none (March 16, 2026)
Members identified in 2025 : F347
Members identified in 2024 : M419 (dispersing wolf) - F102 - F238 (subadult 2023)
Members identified in 2023 : M287 - F102 - M379 - F203 (pup 2023 - shot dead) - F204 (pup 2023 - shot dead)
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026: AT LEAST 2 WOLVES (COUPLE).
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.
At the end of 2024, at least 1 wolf was were present in the territory. But it seems that things are changing in the region, so stay tuned for further developments...
Unfortunately, F238, the subadult born to this pack in 2023 and still accompanying her mother F102 in 2024, was killed in November 2024 during proactive culling. What about the breeding female, F102? That is the question we are currently investigating. At present, there are no signs of her presence anywhere in the Ferpècle-Arolla pack's territory. We simply hope that F102 did not meet an untimely end due to human stupidity and that she is simply keeping a low profile or has rejoined her native pack. We will discuss her situation in our final report and continue to hope that she will reappear here or there in 2025.
There is no longer any sign of the Ferpècle/Arolla pack in 2025. It may have fallen victim to proactive public regulation (poaching). The female F102 has shown no signs of life since November 2024, when our cameras clearly captured her.
The good news is that, since the beginning of winter 2025, a pair has reappeared in the territory, but DNA testing has not yet confirmed their identity.
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. As a reminder, the Ferpècle-Arolla pack was responsible for the most predations in 2023, with a total of 90, including 14 in protected areas! But, to everyone's surprise, it was the Hérens-Mandelon pack that was targeted by proactive culling, with five losses in protected areas and nine in total (an attack mistakenly attributed to it was removed from this count). It is inconceivable to see such decisions, which in this case stem from well-known political pressure but in no way achieve the goals set out in federal law and ordinance. This fact must be made known to the general public!
Attacks/losses 2024
11/06 - 1 sheep (protected)
Attacks/losses 2025
NONE IN 2025.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
12/05 - 1 cub - F203 (not related to the Hérens/Mandelon pack --> cub from the Ferpècle-Arolla pack)
12/07 - 1 adult - M389 (not related to the Hérens/Mandelon pack --> future breeding male of the Ferpècle-Arolla pack)
12/07 - 1 cub - F204 (not related to the Hérens/Mandelon pack --> cub from the Ferpècle-Arolla pack)
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 : 2-3 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : NO REPRODUCTION !
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025. But, unfortunately, one of the wolf shot in the Hérens/Mandelon territory could be a subadult of this pack. There is a well known buffer zone between these two packs.
11/10 - 1 adult - F238 (not related to the Hérens-Mandelon pack --> well known subadult from the Ferpècle-Arolla pack)
Once again, the Ferpècle-Arolla pack wasn't concerned by proactive regulation in 2024/2025 !
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST ONE WOLF.
REPRODUCTION 2025 : NO REPRODUCTION AND NO FURTHER SIGNS OF THIS PACK PRESENCE!
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned in 2025/2026.
Photo : Wolf Mission (M287)
THE ANNIVIERS-RÉCHY PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : M441
Female : F225
Members identified in 2026 : Currently none (March 16, 2026)
Members identified in 2025 : F225 - M441 - F267 (subadult 2024) - M528 (subadult 2024) - M544 (subadult 2024) - F287 (pup 2024)
M575 (pup 2025 - found dead) - M607 (pup 2025 - shot dead) - M608 (pup 2025 - shot dead)
Members identified in 2024 : F225 - M441 - F267
Members identified in 2023 : M186 (found dead) - F113 (breeding female Augstbord) - F172 - M268
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 3-4 WOLVES INCLUDING THE BREEDING COUPLE.
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 !
At the end of 2024, the breeding couple and 4 cubs were present in the territory.
During the winter of 2024/2025, a wolf pup was found dead in the territory of the Anniviers-Réchy pack. The cause of death was an attack by other wolves. The pup was not part of the Anniviers-Réchy pack (no known connection with neighboring packs – Augstbord, Nanz, Simplon) but was killed by the latter after making the mistake of entering its territory.
In March 2025, an adult female from the Anniviers/Réchy pack was fitted with a GPS collar by the Valais Hunting Service. We note that, unlike the canton of Graubünden, which has also fitted two or three wolves with GPS collars, the Hunting Service provides absolutely no information, no mention on its website and no monthly updates (as is the case in the other canton mentioned above). It is regrettable to see such a lack of communication on a scientific fact that deserves much more extensive public information. Many of us, when we put together all the facts that have already been recorded and can no longer be refuted, have doubts about the transparency of the cantonal authorities on the subject of wolves.
The Anniviers-Réchy pack has reproduced, 4 pups were born in 2025. This pack, which has not preyed on livestock for several summers and has had a new alpha pair since 2023, is THE least problematic pack in Switzerland! However, for a single attack (which the ADN has not yet commented on, although a dispersing individual was identified 5 km from the site of the predation...), it will be targeted for proactive regulation, with the culling of two-thirds of the cubs. The total lack of reflection and scientific analysis on the part of the Valais authorities is quite serious, especially if, as last year, adults are shot outside the authorized period...!
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.
Attacks/losses 2025
08/10 - 11 sheep (protected animals - defects found in the fence)
This attack was carried out by one of the subadults from 2024.
Attacks/losses 2025
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
Not concerned (no shooting).
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 2-3 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : CONFIRMED, AT LEAST 4 PUPS.
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025 - On the other hand, it has a probable buffer zone with the Augstbord pack, which is subject to proactive regulation!
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 5 WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION 2025 : CONFIRMED, 4 PUPS OF WHICH 3 ARE ALREADY DECEASED (1X NATURAL DEATH, 2 LEGAL SHOOTINGS)
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
The authorities have decided to cull two-thirds of the cubs in Anniviers-Réchy (for a single attack) :
09/17 - 1 pup - M607
09/17 - 1 pup - M608
It is clear that the presence of a GPS collar (radio collar) on the breeding female makes it easy to find the "rendez-vous" place with precision and kill the pups in the blink of an eye. Those in Anniviers-Réchy died the same night. The fact that the pack committed only one predation (by a subadult, moreover) in three years, which is not problematic, and that it is being monitored for a pseudo-study by the authorities (with an obsolete system), calls into question the ethics of culling a pack in this context. It should be noted that no data has ever been made available on the study of the Anniviers-Réchy pack, unlike in the canton of Graubünden, which publishes news and data to explain the situation to the population. It seems that certain articles of the Wolf Plan (Plan Loup article 2 --> “Educating the public about wolves”) and transparency are not priorities or pillars of the Valais cantonal authorities.
What about scientific studies, the main objective of fitting this type of collar? That is the question. Attempts are currently underway (Cameras, carcasses), based on field observations in an area very close to where young cattle are summered, to fit a second wolf from this pack with a collar.
Photo: STC (F113)
THE DENT D'OCHE PACK
Breeding pair 
The identity of the breeding pair is not known with certainty to date, as only one piece of data has been collected since 2021 (M388).
Members identified in 2026 : currently none (March 16, 2026)
Members identified in 2025 : M388 (shot dead presumably on the territory of the Chablais pack)
Members identified in 2024 : none
Members identified in 2023 : M388
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : POSSIBLY 2 WOLVES
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/Frenay region, where footprints and droppings are often. In 2023, the Dent d'Oche pack reproduced, giving birth to at least 4 cubs. In February 2024, the pack has been filmed in Switzerland by our team.
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 or satellite male.
Over the last two-three years, the Dent d'Oche pack has been the target of numerous poaching attempts in France.
In mid-June 2024, proof of reproduction was indisputably proven, thanks to a monitoring video. The cubs were then filmed and the location of the den was identified, on the french part of the territory. At the end of June, a subadult female was bitten by two Kangal (protection dogs). It would appear that her injuries are not serious; she was seen again later.
At the end of 2024, 3 adults and 3 cubs were present on the territory.
Currently, proof of reproduction has been provided in 2025 (at least 3 pups). The pack is doing well and its territory is almost 95% in France (where the den and meeting places are located).
On November 8, 2025, a cull carried out within the perimeter established by the Valais cantonal authorities as part of the culling of the Chablais pack resulted in the removal of M388, most likely the breeding male from the Dent d'Oche pack. This umpteenth error demonstrates the absolute necessity of correcting the “culling” in Valais, not only by ensuring much more comprehensive and in-depth field monitoring, but also by conducting a scientific and meticulous analysis of the data collected. This must be done before establishing culling areas, which are never reassessed and do not take into account possible/probable changes during the culling process (wolf behavior, packs, scientific facts, and common sense). For information, the error does not come solely from the cantonal authorities, as the data and perimeters are checked and validated by the Federal Office of the Environment (DETEC) and the KORA. In the case of the Chablais pack, which is considered “Swiss” even though it is clearly and indisputably cross-border, the established territory was completely wrong for an extremely long period of time, several years in fact, without any correction ever being made by KORA, the organization responsible for monitoring and studying wolves in Switzerland! And that's not to mention the non-validation of the Dent d'Oche pack and the failure to take French data into account for the Chablais pack! These errors are serious, damaging and clearly demonstrate the serious problems, at several levels, in the management of wolves in Valais. They have been reported, among many others, to the federal authorities, the Bern Convention and the LCIE in our reports on the packs in French-speaking Valais.
Following a survey conducted with French authorities, no further concrete evidence of the wolf’s presence in the area has been found. One wolf was sighted, but the evidence now strongly suggests that the breeding male (M388) has been killed, which appears to have destabilized the Dent d’Oche pack. Once again, this was a mistake resulting from several factors, such as the approximate assessment of the territories of the Lower Valais packs and a total lack of communication between Valais and Haute-Savoie, which is extremely detrimental even though it is mandatory.
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
Attacks/losses 2025
NONE IN 2025.
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026)
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
Not concerned (no shooting).
01/24 - M417 (this pup has been shot during the culling of the Chablais pack but doesn't belong to it. He's probably coming from the Dent d'Oche pack).
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES (proofs in Switzerland and in France).
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 : CONFIRMED, AT LEAST 3 PUPS.
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION 2025 : CONFIRMED (AT LEAST 3 PUPS)
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned but one wolf of the pack has been shot during the proactive regulation of the neighbouring pack "Chablais" :
11/08 - 1 adult - M388 (probable breeding male of the Dent d'Oche pack)
Photo : Wolf Mission (unidentified wolf)
THE POSETTES PACK
Breeding pair
Male : possibly M562
Female : possibly F327
Members identified in 2026 : Currently none (March 16, 2026)
Members identified in 2025 : M562 - M580 (found dead, traffic accident) - F327
Members identified in 2024 : F262
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026 : AT LEAST 2-3 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING COUPLE.
History
The Posettes is a cross-border pack, occupying a small 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 (the exact boundaries have not been set; it could extend as far as Orsières). 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.
In 2024, a wolf pup was found dead. The cause of death was never revealed. But there has been reproduction.
The territory of this pack remains to be investigated, including the buffer zones with the Toules and Salentin packs. However, after researching the Vallorcine/Chamonix region (France) and the territories occupied by local packs, we conclude that the Posettes pack must have a large part of its territory on Swiss territory.
Reproduction has taken place, officially confirmed, in Switzerland. Two males have been identified so far, one is probably the breeding male (M562) and the second (M580) was found dead, killed in a road traffic accident. Its parentage is unknown at this time.
Attacks/losses 2024
The pack seems to have committed only one attack in 2024 :
08/22 - 1 sheep
Attacks/losses 2025
NONE IN 2025 !
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : AT LEAST 2 WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION 2024 : CONFIRMED - AT LEAST 3 PUPS AND ANOTHER ONE HAS BEEN FOUND DECEASED IN SWITZERLAND.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES.
REPRODUCTION 2025 : CONFIRMED - AT LEAST 4 CUBS, TWO OF WHICH WERE ALREADY KILLED IN OCTOBER 2025.
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
The authorities have decided to cull two-thirds of the cubs in Anniviers-Réchy (NO ATTACK IN 2025, JUST ONE SHEEP KILLED IN 2024 !).
10/01 - 1 pup - M622
10/01 - 1 pup - M623
We want to be clear: the Posettes pack killed only one livestock animal in 2024 (before September) and none in 2025! It was therefore decided to cull two-thirds of the cubs in a pack that was neither problematic nor deadly! It should be noted that this is not in accordance with the Ordinance, which mentions the regulation of protected species in the event of significant damage to forests, crops, or livestock (Art. 4 c 25), adding that the canton must justify the regulation to prevent damage to livestock (Art. 4b 36 b). How, then, can the intervention be justified for one sheep killed, and not even during the valid period.
Photo : F. Bruggmann
MAUVOISIN/VALPELLINE PACK
Breeding pair 
Male: no certified data to date
Female: no certified data to date
Members identified in 2026: Currently none (March 16, 2026)
Members identified in 2025: M589 - U309
NUMBERS IN FEBRUARY 2026: AT LEAST 3 WOLVES BUT NO CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS SINCE OCTOBER 2025 (PACK PROBABLY STAYING ON THE ITALIAN SIDE DURING WINTER).
History
The Mauvoisin pack is cross-border, bordering Italy at Mont-Gelé, Mont-Rion, and Valpelline. It therefore makes incursions into Valais territory at the Mauvoisin dam. Given the local situation, with the presence of the Mont-Brun and Nendaz-Isérables packs, it is clear that this new pack will have most of its territory in Italy, requiring communication to better understand it (and when deciding on possible regulation).
During the summer of 2025, it carried out no fewer than three attacks in the Mauvoisin area. It should be noted that the protective measures, in light of what was studied on site during the attack on August 14, 2025, which killed 49 sheep (most of which fell into a ravine), were not at all compliant. The farm is known for its failure to implement official protective measures, which is very detrimental. Sheep and goats regularly spend the winter in the mountains, left to fend for themselves as they are not brought back with the herd. The press has already published an article and photos of goats at the end of winter were taken by our team.
This new pack will therefore only be partially in Valais, keeping most of its territory in Italy. It will be vital for the authorities to understand its spatial and temporal management and to establish clear buffer zones for this pack, as for all others.
Attacks/losses 2025
07/21 - 1 sheep
08/13 - 4 sheep
08/14 - 49 sheep (fall into a ravine)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 4 WOLVES
REPRODUCTION IN 2025 : CONFIRMED - AT LEAST 4 PUPS
Attacks/losses 2026
Currently none (March 16, 2026).
Proactive regulation 2025-2026
Not concerned in 2025/2026.
Photo : P. Santucci
WOLF PACKS IN VALAIS/WALLIS - 2026
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SOURCES
Last edited: 26/03/2026