A third of the population is in favour of preventive wolf culls. In contrast, 46% reject them. Approval also increases with age. Almost half of 60- to 79-year-olds are in favour of shooting wolves before the animals cause damage.
Among 18- to 29-year-olds, however, the figure is only 20%, as the opinion research institute YouGov (formerly Link) announced on Friday in a survey it described as representative. Those in favour of shooting wolves argue that they have no natural enemies and that packs need to be regulated by humans.
Those against shooting wolves justify their position by arguing that the measure would not be necessary if livestock were better protected. 31% agreed that it would be pointless to introduce wolves and then shoot them as a preventative measure. 26% see wolves as important for biodiversity.
The preventive shooting of wolves is of concern to the population, as the survey also showed. One-third of survey respondents stated that they had heard, seen or read something on the subject two to three times in the last three months. A further 34% had been made aware of the issue on a weekly to daily basis.
The introduction of wolves was considered important by 32% of respondents. The settlement of the ibex was rated as more important by 76%. The reintroduction of bearded vultures was of middle importance with 56%. The reintroduction of lynx and beaver were each considered important by 47%.
YouGov surveyed 1,260 people aged 18 and over in Switzerland between February 23 and 26 in a standardised online survey.
Adapted from German by DeepL/kc/amva
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