Executive summary: Reindeer herders in Finland are experiencing an unprecedented surge in wolf attacks, with nearly 2,000 reindeer killed in 2025, a crisis that scientists and locals attribute to the ripple effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In the snowy landscapes of Kuusamo, northern Finland, fifth-generation reindeer herder Juha Kujala now discovers reindeer carcasses on a near-daily basis, victims of wolf attacks that have escalated dramatically over the past year. The emotional and economic toll is severe, as each loss represents not only a blow to his livelihood but also a threat to a centuries-old tradition. Kujala, who also runs a tourism business capitalizing on the region’s association with Santa Claus, points an accusing finger at an unlikely source: Russian President Vladimir Putin and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This connection, while seemingly distant, is supported by emerging data and expert analysis.
According to the Reindeer Herders’ Association in Finland, approximately 1,950 reindeer have been killed by wolves in 2025 alone, marking a nearly 70% increase from the previous year. Concurrently, the wolf population in Finland has risen from an estimated 295 in spring 2024 to around 430 this year, the highest in decades. The Natural Resources Institute Finland has documented this surge, with senior scientist Katja Holmala noting a sharp rise in wolves with DNA markers indicating origins across the Russian border. This influx of predators is disrupting the delicate balance in Lapland’s ecosystems.
The prevailing theory among Finnish researchers and herders is that the war in Ukraine has led to a decrease in wolf hunting on the Russian side of the border. Mass conscription and mobilization of able-bodied men, including hunters, into the Russian military have reduced the human pressure on wolf populations. As a result, wolves and other predators like bears and lynxes are proliferating and crossing into Finland, where they prey on reindeer herds. John Helin, a Finland-based intelligence expert, confirms that seasonal labor for hunting and forestry has diminished in Russian border regions due to the war effort.
For reindeer herders, the economic impact is substantial. The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates that losing a female reindeer incurs a loss of about €1,572, considering the time to maturity and reproductive potential. Herders spend considerable time applying for government compensation, which they argue is insufficient to cover their losses. Kujala emphasizes that the loss of females is particularly devastating, as reindeer take two years to reach sexual maturity and typically produce only one calf per year.
In response to the crisis, the Finnish government has taken steps to control the wolf population. Despite wolves being classified as a critically endangered species, legislation was advanced in November 2025 to allow hunting, especially in reindeer herding areas. Special licenses have been granted to herders like Kujala, who now patrol with hunting dogs and rifles. Conservationists have expressed concern, but authorities acknowledge the need for population management to protect livelihoods.
The situation highlights the interconnectedness of global conflicts and local environments. The war in Ukraine, thousands of kilometers away, is indirectly altering predator-prey dynamics in the Arctic. This unintended consequence underscores how geopolitical events can have far-reaching ecological and economic effects. Finnish border guards have intensified training exercises in Lapland, reflecting broader security concerns, but the immediate threat to reindeer herding is ecological.
Looking ahead, herders hope for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, which they believe could help restore balance. Kujala has appealed to international leaders to intensify efforts to end the war. The future of reindeer herding in Finland depends on both local wildlife management and global peace initiatives. As climate change and human activities continue to pressure Arctic ecosystems, this episode serves as a reminder of the fragile ties between war and nature.
Ultimately, the surge in dead reindeer in Finland is a poignant example of how modern warfare can disrupt traditional ways of life in unexpected ways. It calls for integrated approaches that consider environmental impacts in conflict resolution and conservation strategies.
