By Riffat Kausar
Helsinki SNN News International Desk
Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced plans to authorize the hunting of at least 65 wolves during the upcoming winter season.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah (CD) confirmed that the government aims to begin licensed wolf hunting from 1 January, citing the need to balance conservation and rural safety concerns.
According to the ministry, maintaining a wolf population of around 273 would meet the criteria for a “favourable conservation status,” significantly lower than the current estimated population of 430 wolves. The figure was submitted to the European Commission as part of Finland’s six-year wildlife conservation report.
The latest assessment, covering the 2019–2024 period, concludes that wolves in Finland are thriving across most regions, including Fell Lapland in the far northwest.
Recent data from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) revealed a 46% increase in the wolf population compared to last year, with numbers rising sharply in the country’s western and southwestern regions.
While wolves rarely pose a direct threat to humans, officials note an increase in incidents involving livestock and pets. The ministry says the controlled hunt aims to reduce such conflicts while maintaining ecological balance.
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