Bernd Gasteiger’s young animals usually spend the entire summer on the Kümplfalm in the Spitzingsee area below the Rotwand (Miesbach district). But despite the abundance of new growth, the 60-year-old decided this year to bring his 35 animals back to the valley a few weeks earlier than usual.
Protecting animals comes first
The reason for the early return from the cattle were two incidents that occurred in July about one kilometer as the crow flies from the Kümpflalm. First one week and then two weeks later, three pregnant heifers belonging to another farmer fell down a slope to their deaths, presumably chased by a wolf. Gasteiger did not want to expose his valuable breeding animals to this danger any further and brought them back to the safety of the stable last Saturday, he reported in an interview with top agrar.
Gasteiger’s decision was made easier by the fact that there is still enough feed available for the young animals in the valley, which must be used up before the new harvest can be stored. Not everyone has this luxury. The farmer with whom he runs the alpine pasture is currently still dependent on the feed on the alpine pasture, Gasteiger makes clear.
Bear, wolf, golden jackal: grazing animals on the mountain pastures in danger
There have been problems with predators on the alpine pasture for many years. In 2006, the problem bear “Bruno” was shot on the Kümpflalm, which had been killing sheep in the region. Wolves keep roaming the area, causing the grazing animals to become agitated. In recent years, there have also been fatal attacks that point to wolves. However, there is no concrete evidence due to a lack of positive genetic analyses. There are also golden jackals in the area around the alpine pasture. This is indicated by sightings, tracks and killed sheep. However, these animals have not been officially confirmed either.
Herd protection on the mountain pastures almost impossible
The farmer explains that herd protection measures are not feasible on his mountain pasture. A wolf-proof fence, which would have to be at least 2.5 meters high, cannot be anchored in the steep terrain of the Kümpflalm and would create islands that would harm the special flora and fauna. Working with herd protection dogs is also not possible due to the large number of hikers: “The hiking trail goes almost past the hut; on a nice day, up to 500 people walk along here,” explains Gasteiger.
Nobody wants to kill an animal, but I don’t think there is any other way.”
He therefore sees shooting the wolves as the only way to protect his animals in the long term. “Nobody wants to kill an animal, but I don’t think there’s any other way,” he says resignedly. The predators have an easier time in the confusing and steep terrain of the alpine pasture than in the valley. “In the valley you have more options for protecting the animals, you can round them up overnight or fence them in so that they are wolf-proof. Up here it’s just difficult.”
New attempt next year
Despite all the difficulties, Gasteiger is determined to drive his animals back to the mountain pastures next year. “We don’t have the happy situation of having enough food every year,” says Gasteiger. If the danger from the wolf becomes too great again next year, he will have to bring his cows back to the valley.
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