Wolves attack Syrjäla Sheep Farm in Tammela, causing significant losses

Syrjäla Sheep Farm in Tammela has once again been the target of wolf attacks. A pack of wolves visited the farm’s pasture during the night between Thursday and Friday. This is not the first incident; wolves last mauled the farm’s sheep in October of the previous year. Owners Katja and Hannu-Pekka Syrjäla were forced to witness the aftermath of another attack, which resulted in the deaths of seven sheep, the euthanasia of two others, and three still missing.

“This is just sickening. Predator fences are pointless when wolves can jump over them. It was only a matter of time before this happened again,” remarks Hannu-Pekka Syrjäla. He refrains from estimating the financial losses incurred.

Wildlife liaison officer Timo Louhelo speculates that the missing sheep may have drowned in the nearby river, as no carcasses have been found. However, one mangled sheep was discovered on the terrace of a cabin across the river. The pasture had a total of 50 ewes. Louhelo noted that the pack consists of several wolves that crossed the river to attack the grazing sheep. Although clear tracks were scarce in the hard ground, smaller paw prints were observed on the ditch bank. “They are definitely teaching their pups here,” says Louhelo.

He also mentioned that the summer months in Tammela have been relatively quiet, with few wolf sightings aside from the occasional trail camera image. Nevertheless, significant predation losses remain a concern. “The predation situation evokes bitterness. This is a chance for wolf advocates to step up. They should come out and observe how to protect livestock. There are no extra compensation funds for this work,” states Louhelo. He believes that wolves have become bolder, posing the question, “What else can we do to deter them but use guns?”