After years of decline, wolf population in Scandinavia grows again
This winter, the Scandinavian wolf population has been estimated to consist of approximately 450 animals.
That is an increase of 70 animals from last winter.
After several years of decline, the wolf population is now back to about the same level as in 2014.
The figures were presented in May in the final status report from the winter wolf surveillance in Scandinavia, which Rovdata and the Viltskadecenter have handed over to the Norwegian Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
“The upturn in the Scandinavian wolf population has occurred in Sweden, where the estimated number of wolves… has increased from 300 to 365 animals.
“The increase is most pronounced in the southeastern parts of Dalarna and Gävleborg County,” Jonas Kindberg of Rovdata noted.
A total of 45 new wolf pups
Rovdata is responsible for operating, communicating, and developing the Norwegian Large Predator Monitoring Program.
During the winter, a total of 45 family groups of wolves have been detected in Scandinavia, out of which 34 in Sweden, six in Norway, and five on both sides of national borders.
A total of 45 wolf pups were born last year, out of which 34 litters were registered in Sweden, six in Norway, and five across national borders between Sweden and Norway.
“That is an increase of seven litters from last year,” Kindberg said at the time.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
