Wolf hunting halts growth of Finland’s wolf population

Finland’s wolf population has remained unchanged from last year, according to a new estimate released Thursday by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).

The most likely count in March was 430 wolves across 77 packs, matching 2025 figures. Luke attributes the stagnation to last winter’s quota-based wolf hunt, which it says immediately reduced numbers through culling, with further effects expected over time.

The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation argues the data proves the hunt should not have been permitted. Chair Hanna Halmenpää noted the wolf remains highly endangered in Finland and its population is below a favorable conservation status. She said the population should be at least 500 to meet conservation goals.

“It is now clear that if hunting continues, the wolf population will not reach a favorable conservation status and could even decline,” Halmenpää said in a statement.

Luke forecasts 383–565 wolves by March 2027 if conservation hunting is not resumed.