The mayor of Rendalen in Hedmark claims the state has done too little to help combat a growing wolf population in Norway, despite an official hunt last winter.
Ranching tradition in Norway allows for open grazing of sheep and cattle during the summer months. For years, the livestock roamed relatively safely because wolves had nearly become extinct in the country.
But the wolf population has been on the rise and ranchers have been howling for state measures to protect their flocks.
Stein Lier Hansen of the state environmental ministry (Miljøverndepartement) told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) on Monday that emergency funds will be earmarked to hinder the wolf threat. He didn't specify what measures would be taken, but it's likely another hunt will be considered.
Norway's wolf hunt last winter sparked controversy internationally, with conservationists protesting to save the wolves. Ranchers in other countries also have suggested that their Norwegian counterparts fence in their animals to protect them from predators.
Aftenposten Interactive English Desk
Nina Berglund
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