The Canton of Bern is set to implement a new law for managing large predator populations, specifically wolves and bears, which could take effect on February 1, 2026. This development follows the conditional withdrawal of a popular initiative after the cantonal parliament approved a counter-proposal that grants the canton greater authority in regulating these species.
The new legislation, passed during the Grand Council's September session, allows Bern to utilize its full legal capacity for population control. The law will remain in effect until 2038, at which point it will be subject to review. Its implementation is contingent on no successful referendum being launched against it.
Key Takeaways
- A new law for managing large predators in the Canton of Bern is scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2026.
- The popular initiative "For a Canton of Bern with a regulatable large predator population" has been conditionally withdrawn.
- The new legislation focuses specifically on the regulation of wolf and bear populations, excluding the lynx and golden jackal.
- The law empowers the canton to use its existing legal scope for regulation and prohibits measures that would promote predator population growth.
- These provisions will be in place until 2038, pending a review to determine their continuation.
Parliamentary Decision Paves Way for New Regulations
The path to the new law was cleared during the September session of the Bernese Grand Council. While lawmakers rejected the popular initiative titled "For a Canton of Bern with a regulatable large predator population," they simultaneously approved a legislative counter-proposal. This strategic move provided the initiative's committee with a viable alternative, leading to their decision to withdraw their original proposal.
According to a statement from the State Chancellery, the initiators had signaled their willingness to retract the initiative if a satisfactory counter-proposal was adopted. The parliament's decision met this condition, shifting the focus from a public vote on the initiative to the implementation of the new law.
The new legal framework is now in a public review period. If a referendum is not successfully called by the public to challenge the law, it will automatically come into force on the proposed date in early 2026.
Understanding the Legislative Process
In Swiss politics, a popular initiative allows citizens to propose constitutional or legislative changes. A counter-proposal is a common parliamentary tool where the government or parliament offers an alternative law. If the initiative committee finds the counter-proposal acceptable, they can withdraw their initiative, avoiding a public vote and allowing the new law to proceed more quickly.
Defining the Scope of Cantonal Power
The core of the new legislation is to formally establish the Canton of Bern's authority to manage large predator populations within the boundaries of federal law. Supporters of the measure argue that while the federal government sets the overarching framework, cantons retain a significant degree of autonomy that can be legally defined and utilized.
The law explicitly states that the canton should exhaust its legal options to regulate predator numbers. This is a direct response to growing concerns from agricultural and rural communities about the impact of wolf populations on livestock and public safety.
Prohibition on Population Promotion
A significant clause within the new law mirrors a key demand of the original initiative: it prohibits the canton from implementing any measures that would actively promote the growth of large predator populations. This provision ensures that cantonal policy will be focused on management and control rather than conservation-led expansion, which has been a point of contention for many residents in affected areas.
Targeted Species: Wolf and Bear
The legislative changes are narrowly focused on two specific large predators:
- Wolf (Canis lupus): The primary species of concern due to its expanding population and increased sightings in agricultural regions.
- Bear (Ursus arctos): While less common in the canton, the law includes bears to provide a framework for future management if their numbers increase.
Notably, the law does not apply to the lynx or the golden jackal, whose management will continue to be governed by existing federal and cantonal regulations.
The Debate Over Efficacy and Jurisdiction
The new law was not passed without significant debate within the Grand Council. The central point of disagreement revolved around the practical effectiveness of a cantonal law when federal legislation holds supremacy in wildlife management.
Opponents argued that the law would be largely symbolic and ineffective. They emphasized that the federal government ultimately dictates the conditions under which protected species like the wolf can be culled. From their perspective, the cantonal law creates false hope without providing any new, tangible tools for regulation.
"The opponents stressed that it would be ineffective, because the federal government is responsible for regulating the large wildlife population," noted political observers during the parliamentary session.
Conversely, proponents maintained that the law is a crucial step. They argued that it legally obligates the cantonal authorities to act proactively within their jurisdiction. By cementing this mandate into law, the canton ensures that all available legal avenues for managing wolf and bear populations are pursued, providing clarity and a clear directive for cantonal agencies.
A Long-Term Strategy with a Sunset Clause
The new regulations are designed as a long-term but adaptable policy tool. The provisions are set to remain in effect for over a decade, until 2038. This extended timeframe is intended to provide stability and predictability for both wildlife management authorities and the agricultural community.
However, the inclusion of a 2038 review date acts as a sunset clause. This means the law is not permanent and will be re-evaluated based on its effectiveness and the ecological situation at that time. This review will determine whether the provisions should be continued, amended, or allowed to expire, ensuring the policy can adapt to future changes in predator populations and public sentiment.
This forward-looking approach acknowledges the dynamic nature of wildlife management and aims to strike a balance between the immediate needs of the population and the long-term ecological health of the region.