Finnmark authorizes new wolf hunt

A recent wolf hunt in Norway sparked international protests. PHOTO: JON HAUGE

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Wildlife officials in Finnmark in northern Norway say they can live with bears, wolverines and lynx but not with wolves. Few remain in the area, but any sign of breeding will set off a hunt.

The authorities have decreed that wolves are a threat to Finnmark's widespread reindeer herds, an important income source and part of the local Sami (Lappland) lifestyle.

No re-establishment of the breed will thus be allowed in Finnmark. Local hunters will be permitted to track down any wolf families and also will be allowed to kill newborn wolves.

A new wildlife management plan also removes some earlier protection of bears. Those who wander outside of Pasvik and Anarjohka, singled out as conservation areas, will be subject to hunters.

Finnmark's wildlife management plan is the first of its kind for large animals in Norway. It was drafted by county officials in cooperation with a local commission.

Wolves were protected in Norway after they nearly became extinct, but a controversial wolf hunt was allowed in the southeastern district known as Østerdalen last winter. The hunt sparked protests from around the world.

Aftenposten Interactive English Desk
Nina Berglund