FRENCH SPEAKING VALAIS PACKS
On this page, we introduce you the wolf packs of "Romandie" (French-speaking Switzerland), their history, genetic surveys, as well as the list of attacks and number of victims for the entire year. Updates will be made at least once a month throughout 2024 (photo : F. Bruggmann).
All the information and figures in these presentations come from official services and authorities (KORA Center, cantonal departments) as well as from observations and field studies carried out by our entire team during the year. Each piece of data is processed, analysed and interpreted on the basis of wolf behaviour, as well as knowledge of the pack concerned, the territory and the many other factors involved.
To help you, we highlight all changes made during updates in light/dark orange in each pack's sections (except genetic data) or data that is important for a better overall understanding.
Last update : July 17, 2025
THE CHABLAIS PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : Identity currently unknown (breeding male 2019-2023 = M88)
Female: F43
Members identified in 2025 : F43 (1x) - U289 (unidentified sex)
Members identified in 2024 : M88 (shot dead) - M417 (shot dead) - F43 (1x) - U478 (1x)
Members identified in 2023: F43 (1x) - M88 (1x) - M202 (2x) - F174 (1x) - F175 (1x)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING FEMALE !
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.
Reproduction has been confirmed for 2025. A new male, whose identity is still unknown, is present and appears to be causing more problems than the original breeding male, which was shot in January 2024 during the first phase of proactive control (M88). Indeed, pressure is currently very high on local livestock farms in Switzerland, 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 to remove a non-problematic pack for political reasons that were neither scientific nor justified. Between 2019 and 2023, the Chablais pack had never been targeted by any form of regulation, never reaching the quotas set. Now, after a year without reproduction, the situation is much worse than during the previous six years. Listening to politics rather than science and common sense leads to potentially very uncomfortable situations that are worse than the original problem. Local farmers will be able to thank the cantonal and political authorities for this absurd decision, the consequences of which are, after all, predictable!
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)
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.
POST-REGULATION NUMBERS (MARCH 2024) : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2024.
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 July 15, 2025. 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 (1x) & M274 (when he has been legally shot on July 22, 2022, a member of the Chablais pack by the way).
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 2 WOLVES
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!
Currently, no official evidence of reproduction has been provided for 2025. This could happen between August and October, provided that serious monitoring is carried out, which has not been the case so far! If there is no reproduction, the Hauts-Forts pack, given its current size, cannot be counted as such. Huge errors have been made with this pack, due to a lack of genetic tracking and monitoring in Switzerland.
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
Currently none (15th of July 2025)
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
SUSPENSIVE EFFECT - ZERO SHOOTING.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3-4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES (FRANCE).
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE TOULES PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : M230
Female : F151
Members identified in 2025 : M230 (1x)
Members identified in 2024 : F212 (pup * - shot dead) - F151 (1X) - M230 (1x) - M521 (adult - shot dead)
Members identified in 2023: F131 (1x), M334 (1x), F151 (2x), M230 (5x) - M407 (pup - shot dead) - F211 (pup * - shot dead).
* Shooting error, pups belonging to the Mont-Brun pack
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING COUPLE (NOT KILLED DURING THE REGULATION PHASE)
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 present, no official evidence of reproduction has been provided. This should be the case between August and October, through monitoring (videos of cubs or feeding). It should be noted that it will be mandatory to obtain more genetic data on this pack, especially in the only possible shooting area, where nothing has been collected since 2022. The regulation of this pack is a complete failure in every respect, and we are fully aware of the reasons why. It is regrettable that the authorities have not changed their assessments between 2023 and 2025, which is proof that the data is not being used wisely. This is good news for the Toules pack, which has ultimately lost only two cubs in two phases of regulation. Perhaps it's karma, a just return for the few attacks it has committed in two years, which in no way makes it a problematic pack!
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
Currently none (15th of July 2025)
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.
POST-REGULATION NUMBERS (MARCH 2024) : 3-4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.
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!
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE SALENTIN PACK
Breedind couple
Male : M426
Female : F224
Members identified in 2025 : M426 (3x) - M527 (2x - pup 2025)
Members identified in 2024 : M426 (4x) - F224 (3x) - M518 (1x - pup 2024)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3-4 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING COUPLE.
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.
Currently, the Salentin pack is doing well and has probably had a litter (the number is not yet officially known). It has proven to be quite deadly in terms of attacks on livestock, having already killed 17 sheep in protected areas. In 2024, it 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 decision (certainly for at least one of the three), lack of common sense, lack of reflection—the factors behind these decisions must be examined, because the authorities are not taking any action to remove the real problem packs!
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 (protected)
06/27 - 3 sheep (protected)
07/02 - 1 sheep (protected)
07/08 - 6 sheep (protected)
07/08 - 1 sheep (protected)
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
Photo illustration : Wolf Mission (M426 ou F212)
THE MONT-BRUN PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : M338
Female : F121
Members identified in 2025 : M567 (2x)
Members identified in 2024 : F239 (1X - filiation to test)
Members identified in 2023: F121 (3x), M338 (2x), M331 (1x), U156 (1x).
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : NO PRESENCE DETECTED. The presence of one individual was only confirmed from April 2025 onwards.
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...!
At present, it is not certain that a pack is still present in this territory. Only one individual has been genetically identified (M567) and the majority of signs of presence indicate only one individual (two wolves observed on two occasions and not before April 2025). The original breeding pair has not been seen since 2023, which seems to indicate that it no longer exists. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve in the coming months in an area that remains a major transit route for wolves from Italy (Aosta) and France.
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
Currently none (July 2025)
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 !
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!
Illustration photo : Bruggmann Fabien
THE NENDAZ-ISÉRABLES PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : possibly M551 (male 2022-2024 = M246)
Female : F136
Members identified in 2025 : F136 (5x) - M551 (4x)
Members identified in 2024 : M246 (8x) - F136 (10x) - M386 (1x) - F201 (3x) - M422 (10x) - M317 (2x) - F207 (2x) - M513 (cub - shot dead) -
M514 (pup - shot dead, filiation to test) - M516 (cub - shot dead) - F278 (cub - shot dead)
Members identified in 2023 : M246 (4x) - F136 (3x) - F163 (1x) - M279 (1x) - M317 (2x) - M386 (1x)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING FEMALE.
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.
Currently, no official evidence of reproduction has been provided. However, given the presence of this new male, it cannot be ruled out. 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 be repeated in Nendaz-Isérables. Unfortunately, when shooting in stable and low-problem packs, this is an outcome that must be expected, as it alters the composition, management, and organization of the pack. The future will tell.
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
Currently none (July 2025)
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
SUSPENSIVE EFFECT - ZERO SHOOTING.
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 6 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.
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.
Illustration photo : Marchais Arnaud
THE HÉRENS-MANDELON PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : currently none (July 2025)
Female : F97
Members identified in 2025 : M436 (3x) - F97 (1x)
Members identified in 2024 : M374 (3x) - F97 (6x) - M436 (7x) - M447 (1x - identified on a buffer zone) - M408 (shot dead - no filiation)
F238 (exploratory excursion - cub 2023 from Ferpècle/Arolla)
Members identified in 2023 : M335 (2X) - F97 (2x) - F154 (1x) - M397 (1x - shot dead) - M374 (3x - shot dead) - F202 (cub - shot dead) - F209 (cub - shot dead)
F214 (cub - shot dead)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 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.
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)
We would like to point out that attacks of this kind may be due to a subadult, M436 in this case, which makes frequent exploratory excursions before leaving the territory. This is training and an interest in ease and opportunity.
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.
POST-REGULATION NUMBERS (MARCH 2024) : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES.
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 FOEN and KORA without inspection or further investigation.
Photo : Wolf Mission (F154)
THE FERPÈCLE-AROLLA PACK
Breeding Pair 
Male : currently none (breeding male 2023 = M287)
Female : F102
Members identified in 2025 : currently none (July 2025)
Members identified in 2024 : M419 (2x - dispersing wolf) - F102 (1x) - F238 (4X)
Members identified in 2023 : M287 (4X) - F102 (3x) - M379 - F203 (cub - shot dead) - F204 (cub - shot dead)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 1 WOLF.
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.
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
Currently none (July 2025)
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 : 4 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES
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 !
Photo : Wolf Mission (M287)
THE ANNIVIERS-RÉCHY PACK
Breeding pair 
Male : M441
Female : F225
Members identified in 2025 : F225 (5x) - M441 (1x) - F267 (pup 2024) - M528 (1x - pup 2024) - M544 (1x - pup 2024) -
F287 (1x - pup 2024) - M575 (probably not related to the pack)
Members identified in 2024 : F225 (5x) - M441 (2x) - F267 (1x)
Members identified in 2023 : M186 (2x) - F113 (1x) - F172 (1x) - M268 (1x)
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES
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.
Reproduction has taken place in the Anniviers-Réchy pack, but the number of pups is not yet known.
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
Currently none (July 2025)
Proactive regulation 2023-2024
Not concerned (no shooting).
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2024 : 3 ADULT/SUBADULT WOLVES
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!
Photo: STC (F113)
THE DENT D'OCHE PACK
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 2025 : currently none (July 2025)
Members identified in 2024 : none
Members identified in 2023 : M388 (1x).
NUMBERS IN MARCH 2025 : AT LEAST 3 WOLVES, INCLUDING THE BREEDING COUPLE.
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. The pack is doing well and its territory is almost 95% in France (where the den and meeting places are located).
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
Currently none (15th of July 2025)
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).
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
Photo : Wolf Mission (unidentified wolf)
THE POSETTES PACK
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 2025 : M562 (1x)
Members identified in 2024 : F262 (1x)
REPRODUCTION IN 2024 (AT LEAST 3 PUPS AND ANOTHER ONE HAS BEEN FOUND DECEASED IN SWITZERLAND).
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 is likely, but no official information is currently available. One individual was identified in May 2025, but we cannot determine its role in the pack (breeding male, subadult male, etc.).
Attacks/losses 2024
The pack seems to have committed only one attack in 2024 :
08/22 - 1 sheep
Attacks/losses 2025
Currently none (July 2025)
Proactive regulation 2024-2025
Not concerned in 2024/2025.
Photo : F. Bruggmann
WOLF PACKS IN VALAIS - 2025
SOURCES
Last edited: 20/07/2025