Tips on how to behave when winter hiking
Safety in the Lenzerheide holiday region
Tips on how to behave when winter hiking
- Compulsory leash for dogs
Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash in the Vaz/Obervaz municipal area. This applies to residential areas, wildlife rest areas, playgrounds and the entire Heidsee area. Failure to comply with the leash requirement will result in a fine of CHF 100.00. - Respect animals and their environment
You will often see wild animals on your walks. Enjoy the sight of these animals in their familiar surroundings. - Do not litter
Please take litter and leftovers from picnics home with you. - Do not leave the officially marked winter footpaths
- Do not use closed paths
- Leave hiking trail markings
Contact with wolves - how not to take risks
The wolf population in Switzerland is growing continuously. Basically, wolves are not dangerous to you. Direct encounters with wolves are rare. Nevertheless, you should follow important tips on how to behave.
Wolves that grow up and live in the wild are not fundamentally dangerous to us humans, according to all the knowledge that has been gathered worldwide. Wolves avoid contact with humans. It can become dangerous when wolves get used to humans and even associate their presence with food. Fed wolves can learn to beg for food. Similarly, wolves - even pups - should never be followed to observe or photograph them. The area where the den is located should be avoided. 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.
- Stay on trails and places and respect wildlife habitats.
- Do not dispose of food scraps in the forest, even if the amount is small. As a general rule, wolves should not learn that humans provide food.
- Always keep your dog under control.
- Stand still. If the wolf notices that you have spotted it, it will usually retreat.
- If the wolf does not flee immediately, draw attention to yourself with a certain voice.
- Retreat slowly, the wolf will watch you or flee directly.
- Under no circumstances try to approach the wolf - not even for photos.
- Never chase a wolf!
- Never feed a wolf!
If you see a wolf, contact …
- Ranger Andreas Muhmenthaler, P +41 79 444 89 78 (municipality of Vaz/Obervaz and Lantsch/Lenz)
- Ranger Marcel Höltschi, P +41 79 405 98 85 (Churwalden)
