Police issue euthanasia order for dangerous wolf in Kirkkonummi

The police issued a euthanasia order on Thursday for a wolf that has posed dangerous situations for residents in Kirkkonummi, as reported by the West Uusimaa police. Additionally, the police made a decision in late September to cull another wolf that had been roaming in the area.

Between September and October, police received several reports of encounters in which the wolf approached people and was seen near residential yards in Kirkkonummi. The wolf reportedly came close to multiple individuals walking their dogs and did not leave even after being yelled at or scared away. There were also attempts to attack leashed dogs.

According to Finnish law, police have the authority to capture and, as a last resort, euthanize an animal that poses a threat to human life or health, or causes significant damage to property. This decision was made based on a comprehensive assessment of the situation by the police.

In this particular case, the police stated that the wolf’s behavior was atypical for its species and that its fear of humans has significantly decreased. The police are working closely with local large game management authorities. This euthanasia order is the first one issued this year in the West Uusimaa area. Previously, two culling decisions were made in other municipalities within West Uusimaa.

The Finnish Game Agency has granted one permit for precautionary measures and one for damage-related reasons for wolf hunting during the summer and early autumn in the region.