Police issue termination order for wolf posing danger in Kirkkonummi, Finland

On Thursday, the police issued a termination order for a wolf that has posed dangerous situations for people in Kirkkonummi, according to the West Uusimaa police. Additionally, a deportation decision was made for another wolf in the area at the end of September.

Between September and October, police received numerous reports regarding encounters with the wolf, which has approached people in populated areas. The wolf has, for instance, come close to multiple individuals walking dogs and has not left despite being shouted at or chased away. Furthermore, it attempted to attack leashed dogs.

According to police law, authorities have the right to capture and, as a last resort, terminate an animal that poses a threat to human life or health or causes significant property damage. This decision is based on a case-by-case comprehensive assessment by the police.

In the case of Kirkkonummi, police believe the wolf’s behavior is atypical for its species, and it has significantly reduced its natural fear of humans. The police are closely collaborating with regional wildlife management authorities.

This termination order marks the first issued by the police this year in West Uusimaa. Earlier this autumn, two deportation decisions were made in other municipalities within the region. The Finnish Wildlife Agency has granted one permit for safety reasons and another for damage reasons to kill a wolf during the summer and early autumn in the area.