New wolf hunt underway

Up to four wolves can be shot in the latest official hunt. PHOTO: STEIN J. BJØRGE

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The township of Rendalen in Hedmark, eastern Norway, has launched another wolf hunt after ranchers found the cadavers of 28 sheep over the weekend. Authorities say at least 20 were attacked by wolves.

Hunters have won permission from local authorities to kill up to four wolves. The hunt can run until July 30.

The hunt will take place in the area outside Rendalen where sheep were found killed or so badly mauled that they had to be put down. The dead or dying sheep were found when their owners started rounding them up after several weeks of open grazing in the lush local hillsides.

Authorities now say up to 100 more sheep remain missing, and it's feared they also may have been attacked by a wolf pack.

News of another imminent wolf hunt in Norway already is sparking international protests. A hunt last winter stirred controversy as well, and led to vocal arguments between the environmental ministers of Norway and neighboring Sweden, where the wolves remain protected.

Aftenposten Interactive English Desk
Nina Berglund