Hunters in Finland kill 20% of country’s wolves

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Authorities in Finland reported that nearly one fifth of the country’s endangered wolf population was killed in a month-long cull that ended on February 21.

As reported by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), permits had been handed out to licensed hunters to kill 46 of Finland’s estimated 250 grey wolves in a cull intended to curb illegal poaching.

“The catch was altogether 43 wolves… meaning that three permissions were left unused,” Sauli Harkonen, a senior official with the Finnish Wildlife Agency, told AFP.

The hunt was the second part of a trial cull launched in 2015 to reduce illegal poaching in rural areas. It was the first time a cull had been authorised since 2007, after the European Commission accused Finland of breaching EU protection rules on the endangered species.

According to AFP, environmentalists are concerned that culls might destroy the wolves’ genetic diversity.

“The hunt was very extensive since the ministry authorised [hunters] to kill 20% of Finland’s wolf population and in addition to that, there have been exceptional permits granted by the police,” said Sami Saynevirta, leader of the Finnish Nature League.

Hunting is a widespread tradition in Finland. As many as 300,000 people register each year for permits. This is one of the highest per capita rates in Europe.