The Impact of Wolf Attacks on Reindeer Herding in Finland

Reindeer herders in Kuusamo, Finland, are facing an unprecedented surge in wolf attacks, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Juha Kujala, a fifth-generation reindeer herder, reports finding reindeer carcasses almost daily, attributing the crisis to a dramatic increase in the wolf population, which has risen from approximately 295 in spring 2024 to around 430 in 2025. This increase has led to nearly 1,950 reindeer being killed by wolves this year, a staggering 70% rise from the previous year, according to the Reindeer Herders’ Association in Finland.

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The situation is further complicated by geopolitical factors, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine. Finnish herders and scientists suggest that the conflict has led to fewer wolves being hunted in Russia, as many able-bodied men have been conscripted into military service. This has resulted in a population boom of predators, including wolves, which are now crossing into Finland. Kujala emphasizes that the lack of hunters in Russia has allowed wolf populations to thrive, leading to increased predation on reindeer.

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The economic ramifications for reindeer herders are severe. The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates that the loss of a female reindeer in her prime costs herders approximately €1,572 ($1,835). Herders like Kujala are not only losing their animals but are also burdened with the task of applying for government compensation, which they argue is insufficient to cover their losses. Kujala expresses deep concern for the future of reindeer herding, stating, “If we don’t do nothing, in a few years whole areas will have no reindeer anymore.”

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In response to the rising wolf population, the Finnish government has advanced legislation to allow for the hunting of wolves, despite conservationists raising concerns about the species being classified as critically endangered. Kujala and other herders have been granted special hunting licenses, and they actively seek out wolf tracks in an effort to protect their herds. Kujala urges those opposed to wolf hunting to experience the hardships faced by herders firsthand.

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While many Finnish herders and scientists support the theory that the increase in wolf attacks is linked to the war in Ukraine, some experts caution against oversimplifying the narrative. John Helin, an intelligence expert, notes that despite the rising wolf population, the actual number of wolf kills has decreased, suggesting that other factors may also be at play.

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As reindeer herders like Kujala grapple with the dual threats of predation and economic instability, there is a growing call for action to address both the ecological and geopolitical factors contributing to this crisis. Kujala hopes for a resolution to the war in Ukraine, stating, “Hopefully, Mr. Trump, if you hear me: do everything. Do more than what you have done now. Try to stop this war. End the war.” The future of reindeer herding in Finland hangs in the balance, as herders navigate the challenges posed by both nature and international conflict.

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