A gamekeeper accidentally kills three lynxes in Graubünden

A Grisons gamekeeper accidentally shot three lynx while hunting wolves. He denounced himself. A criminal investigation has been opened.

The game warden was convinced of having shot three wolves authorized to be killed, the hunting and fishing office of the canton of Graubünden said on Tuesday. The incident occurred at night in the Surselva valley (GR). The three lynx killed are two young and an adult male. The game warden has for the moment been excluded from wolf hunting.

“A game warden can in principle distinguish wolves from lynx even at night,” Adrian Arquint, director of the office, told the Keystone-ATS agency. Game wardens are equipped and trained for this. This is an isolated case which must now be examined in detail and within the framework of criminal proceedings, specifies the office.

“A big mistake”

“It was really a big mistake that we deeply regret,” added Adrian Arquint. “Nevertheless, we must now take responsibility.” It is currently difficult to say what the criminal consequences will be for the gamekeeper.

The lynx is a species protected by federal law and of very high priority. Despite seven lynx births in Graubünden this summer, this accidental shooting could harm the population structure, according to the director of the office. The canton will now examine with the Confederation whether an additional lynx will be released into Graubünden.

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