Hunter shoots wolf near Kajaani in alleged hunting offense

A hunter shot a wolf on Tuesday morning in Torvelankangas, near Kajaani. The incident was initially reported by Kainuun Sanomat. Police Superintendent Kimmo Tuulenkari confirmed that the hunter informed the emergency services about the event, after which a police unit was dispatched to the scene.

The preliminary investigation is just beginning, but initial reports suggest that two wolves were approaching the hunter’s German pointer when he shot one of them. “In order to end or stop the attack, the hunter felt compelled to use his firearm to protect his dog from further harm,” Tuulenkari explained. According to the hunter, the wolves were very close at the time of the shooting. “The wolves were approximately 5-6 meters away from the hunter at the moment of the shot,” Tuulenkari noted. Fortunately, the dog was not harmed during the incident.

The case is being examined as a serious hunting offense, Tuulenkari added. The wolf will be sent to the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) for examination. Torvelankangas is located south of Kajaani, and this autumn, wolves in the area have already killed four dogs in Kainuu.