Farmers struggle with wolf damage as predation incidents go unreported in Finland

In Finland, not all livestock damage caused by wolves is reflected in official records. The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) tracks the number of sheep for which farmers receive compensation due to predation, but this compensation only applies to uninsured sheep. According to the Finnish Sheep Association, roughly 10-15% of sheep are insured, meaning many predation incidents go unreported. Farmers receive around €350 for each sheep killed by predators, but only after a confirmed attack.

Peppi Laine, a farmer in Salo’s Hajala region, has encountered wolf attacks on her flock multiple times, with the most severe incident occurring last fall, resulting in the death of 15 out of 45 ewes. Previous attacks also led to significant losses, and while the state compensates for deaths, it does not cover the veterinary costs for injured animals or the transport of carcasses, placing a heavy burden on farmers.

As the wolf population in Finland continues to rise—currently estimated at 62 packs—there has been a notable increase in sheep fatalities particularly in Southwestern Finland, where over 80 sheep have been killed since summer. Although farmers can obtain predator fencing materials for free, erecting these fences can be challenging, especially in hilly terrain.

Laine expresses concerns over the effectiveness of these fences, suggesting that wolves may still find ways to breach them. She advocates for population management of wolves to ensure the viability of sheep farming in the region. The Finnish Sheep Association has declared a state of emergency in light of declining flock numbers, pushing many farmers to reconsider their operations amid rising costs, tighter support conditions, and enhanced wolf activity.