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Wolf Attacks on Reindeer Surge Amid Ukraine Conflict

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Wolf attacks on reindeer in Kuusamo, Finland, are rising as wolf populations grow and Russian hunters decrease because of the Ukraine war.
Juha Kujala, a fifth-generation reindeer herder in Kuusamo, reports daily reindeer carcasses and the emotional toll.
The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates €1,572 ($1,835) per killed female reindeer.
Kujala hopes the Ukraine conflict ends to reduce threats to his livelihood.

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Story summary

Wolf attacks on reindeer in Kuusamo, Finland, are rising as wolf populations grow and Russian hunters decrease because of the Ukraine war.
Juha Kujala, a fifth-generation reindeer herder in Kuusamo, reports daily reindeer carcasses and the emotional toll.
The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates €1,572 ($1,835) per killed female reindeer.
Kujala hopes the Ukraine conflict ends to reduce threats to his livelihood.