The number of wolves estimated to be living in Finland has fallen slightly compared to last year, according to the latest population report by Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
According to Luke's figures, there were between 277 and 321 wolves roaming around Finland in March this year, with the most likely number estimated to be 295.
This figure represents a 5 percent decrease from the number for 2023, which was between 291 and 331 with the most probable figure around 310.
Between 2022 and 2023, Finland's wolf population increased by 7 percent.
Luke's data also revealed that the number of wolf packs estimated to be in the country has remained unchanged from last year, at between 59 and 64, while the number of family packs increased very slightly — from 42 to 44.
The majority of Finland's wolf population has tended to be found in the western part of the country, but more territories have been found in the east as well as in the southwest in recent years.
However, Luke's data suggested that there were no wolf packs roaming in reindeer husbandry areas. In 2022, a total of 1,261 reindeer were killed by wolves in Finland.
The wolf population can vary a lot within a calendar year, as it peaks at the end of May following the birth of new pups. Luke usually records the population data in March every year, and estimated this year that the population is likely to grow again next year and in 2026.
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