Executive summary: Reindeer herders in Finland’s Lapland are experiencing record wolf attacks this year, with one herder describing it as the ‘worst ever,’ a crisis some experts link to reduced hunting in Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
In the snow-covered forests of Kuusamo, northern Finland, fifth-generation reindeer herder Juha Kujala finds himself confronting a daily tragedy. On a near-daily basis, he discovers the carcasses of his reindeer, victims of wolf attacks that have surged to unprecedented levels. Kujala, who has turned his family’s centuries-old herding tradition into a tourism venture called ‘The World of Reindeer,’ now faces mounting losses that threaten both his livelihood and a cultural heritage dating back over 400 years.
The scale of the devastation is stark. According to the Reindeer Herders’ Association in Finland, approximately 1,950 reindeer have been killed by wolves this year alone, a nearly 70% increase from the previous year. Each female reindeer lost represents a financial hit of around €1,572 ($1,835), not accounting for the time herders spend seeking compensation from the government. Kujala points to a specific carcass, its tongue ripped out, with wolf pawprints nearby, as evidence of the predators’ relentless attacks.
Data from the Natural Resources Institute Finland confirms a dramatic rise in the wolf population, from an estimated 295 in spring 2024 to about 430 this year, the highest in decades. This surge coincides with a theory gaining traction among herders and scientists: that Russia’s war in Ukraine is indirectly responsible. The hypothesis suggests that mass recruitment of Russian men into the military has depleted the ranks of hunters who previously kept wolf numbers in check along the border regions.
Senior scientist Katja Holmala from the Natural Resources Institute Finland notes a sharp increase in wolves with DNA markers indicating Russian origins, lending credence to the theory. John Helin, a Finland-based intelligence expert, adds that seasonal labor for hunting has diminished in Russia due to the war effort, though he cautions that definitive proof is challenging given opaque Russian record-keeping.
In response to the crisis, the Finnish government has advanced legislation to allow wolf hunting, with special licenses already granted in reindeer herding areas. Conservationists have expressed concern, but the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry acknowledges the need for population control to protect the reindeer industry. Herders like Kujala now spend time hunting wolves with dogs and rifles, a task they see as necessary for survival.
The attacks have broader implications for Lapland’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism centered around reindeer and the ‘official home of Santa Claus.’ Kujala’s business, offering reindeer yoga and sleigh rides, is part of this festive appeal, but the wolf threat could undermine the region’s cultural and economic fabric. The loss of reindeer not only affects herders’ incomes but also risks eroding a way of life that has defined this Arctic region for generations.
As the situation unfolds, herders hope for an end to the war in Ukraine, which they see as a root cause. Kujala has appealed to international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to intensify peace efforts. Meanwhile, the Finnish authorities and scientific community continue to monitor the wolf populations, balancing conservation with the urgent needs of local communities facing what many describe as the worst year ever for reindeer herding.
