Suckler cows, Sheepdogs and Wolves

Tips for behaviour in open terrain
Encounters with cows, herd protection & wolves

Guardian dogs, cows and wolves

In Davos Klosters, you will occasionally come across sheep, cows or specially trained herd protection dogs during hikes or bike tours.

But don't worry: With our tips, you can safely cross a cow pasture and an alpine area. And know what to do if you come across wolves. You can find information about closed trails under Live Status Hiking Trails.

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The Facebook page “Herdenschutzhunde Davos” keeps you up to date with regular posts on the current situation.

More
  • Wandern in Klosters, Sommer in Klosters, Wanderwege
  • Wölfe, Herdenschutztiere und Kühe in Davos Klosters
  • Wölfe, Herdenschutztiere und Kühe in Davos Klosters

Correct behavior when encountering wolves

The wolf population is growing from year to year. The population in Graubünden was at least 94 wolves at the end of 2022. Keep your distance, stay calm and don't run away: what should you do if you encounter a wolf?

Wolf: The most important questions and answers

Wolves are generally shy animals and avoid people. Anyone who is out and about in wolf territory or encounters the predator while hiking or biking should still take a few things into account. The most important questions and answers at a glance: Davos gamekeeper Thomas Hartmann explains what you need to bear in mind.

Are wolves dangerous for humans?

According to all the findings gathered worldwide, wolves that grow up and live in the wild are not fundamentally dangerous to humans. With the onset of winter, wolves increasingly stay close to settlements because they react to the movement of prey. The proximity to settlements is generally not dangerous for humans, according to the Hunting and Fishing Office of the Canton of Graubünden. This is because wolves avoid contact with humans. More information:

In which situations is there still a risk?

It is dangerous when wolves get used to humans and even associate their presence with food. Fed wolves learn to beg for food. In addition, you should never follow wolves and their pups to observe or photograph them. It is best to avoid the area where the den is located altogether. Wolves can react aggressively if they are sick (rabies) or injured, if they have been fed or if they are cornered. There is currently no rabies in Switzerland.

What should I do if I encounter a wolf?

If you encounter a wolf, stand still and try to assess the situation. If the wolf notices that you have spotted it, it will usually retreat or flee. If you see a wolf or spot one near a settlement, inform the game warden immediately. This way, they can continuously assess the situation.

What should I do if the wolf does not flee immediately?

"If the wolf does not flee immediately, stay calm and use a firm voice to draw attention to yourself; retreat slowly," says Thomas Hartmann, a gamekeeper from Davos. Do not try to approach the wolf or pursue it, not even to photograph the animal. The wolf will observe you or decide to flee. Report the encounter to the gamekeepers, who will then be able to register any unusual behavior as early as possible.

Who do I contact after a sighting?

Gamekeeper Albula-Davos and Klosters
Thomas Fankhauser: Tel. 076 318 86 74 (Oberschnitt)
Thomas Hartmann: Tel. 078 757 49 61 (Unterschnitt)
Ricardo Engler: Tel. 079 218 29 79 (Wiesen)
Stefan Rauch: Tel. 079 293 73 74 (Klosters)

Why shouldn't you run away?

A wolf initially perceives hikers or bikers as a threat. Hectic movements leave the wild animal too little time to assess the situation. "The best course of action is to retreat slowly," says Davos gamekeeper Thomas Hartmann.

What should parents and families with children bear in mind?

For parents with children, gamekeepers and experts recommend the same rules of conduct as for adults. Children should also draw attention to themselves with a loud, determined voice and remain calm. Move backwards slowly until you have reached a greater distance from the wild animal.

What should dog owners avoid?

Wolves can view dogs as intruders, competitors for food or prey. Therefore, always keep your dog under personal control and, if in doubt, keep it on a leash. If dog owners encounter a wolf, dogs should be kept on a leash and the rules of conduct mentioned should be observed. If the wolf does not move away, you should slowly retreat and do not let the dog off the leash.

What are the general rules to be observed in wolf territory?

Always move on designated paths and places to respect the habitats of all wild animals. Be careful not to attract wolves with leftover food. Do not dispose of leftovers in the forest or at barbecue areas, even if the amount is small.

Correct behavior with cows and livestock guardian dogs

When hiking, keep your distance from the herd and do not pet or feed the animals. If animals block your path, stay calm, do not scare the animals and slowly go around the herd in a wide arc. Please keep your guide dog on a leash. Alpine pastures with herd protection dogs are now shown on the SwitzerlandMobility web map. Areas where herd dogs are to be expected appear as yellow areas on the map.

  • 01

    Do not speak to dogs directly

    Herdenschutzhunde in Davos Klosters

    If livestock guardian dogs bark, run towards you and block your path: Stand still and give the dogs time to assess the situation. Do not look directly at the dogs, do not touch them and do not speak to them directly.

  • 02

    Do not provoke

    Herdenschutzhunde in Davos Klosters

    It is important to keep your distance from the herd. Do not raise your sticks, do not wave your arms around and do not shout at the livestock guardian dogs. If they do not calm down, walk backwards and retreat to an even greater distance from the herd.

  • 03

    Keep your distance

    Wandern in Davos Klosters, Sommer

    If necessary, keep dogs at a distance by holding the stick at an angle and pointing downwards. It is strongly advised not to take guide dogs into regions with protected herds.

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