Wolf sightings prompt safety concerns and changes in school transport policy in Luumäki, Finland

In August, 10-year-old Martta Juntto and her father, Janne, were driving to the store when they spotted a wolf at the edge of a field. They observed as the animal caught a small rodent. Martta managed to film the wolf during their encounter in Luumäki.

The Juntto family, residing in the village of Junttola near Lappeenranta, have faced changes in their daily life since the wolf sightings began last summer. Janne explains that the children no longer venture outside during twilight, and they feel compelled to exercise caution. He mentions being too fearful to walk after dark due to the presence of wolves and notes that even their dachshund has shown unusual behavior, refusing to move forward and wanting to stay close to them.

Evidence suggests that at least ten wolves inhabit the area, with reports also indicating the presence of male wolves, creating uncertainty about their identity. Parents are increasingly concerned, prompting the local municipality to change the school transport policy. Some children are now picked up directly from their homes instead of walking to designated pickup points, a decision made for safety reasons after wolf sightings near those routes.

Kai Könönen, an official from Luumäki, acknowledges the understandable anxiety felt by local families and highlights the need for safety. Authorities have been monitoring the situation, and recently, the police have made assessments based on reported wolf sightings. Although the presence of wolves is monitored, the animals are protected species, making any removal efforts subject to strict regulations based on individual circumstances.