In the southern and western reindeer herding area of Lapland, lone wolves have killed dozens of reindeer in the areas of Lohijärvi and Palojärvi. The situation is unusual for western Lapland, where predator problems have historically been much less common.
Reindeer herders in Norway’s Pasvikdalen report a sharp rise in wolves crossing from Russia since the Ukraine war, killing reindeer and appearing near homes. Officials and Finnish data confirm increased wolf presence, with many animals traced by DNA to Russian packs.
An unusually warm autumn in Lapland has boosted mushroom growth that helps reindeer gain weight, but makes tracking predator-related losses more difficult. Foreca forecasts snow in Lapland from Sunday onward.
A wolf-like animal was filmed near Jarhois in Pajala, and a reindeer was found killed the next day in nearby Kardis, prompting local hunters to keep their dogs at home during moose hunting. The sightings have raised concern in the community close to the Övertorneå border.
Reindeer herders in Jarfjord, Sør-Varanger, face losses of reindeer crossing into Russia and increased predator pressure from bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines and eagles returning across the border.
In Karasjok this spring, bears, lynx and a golden eagle attacked an enclosed reindeer herd, killing around 100 animals, while five state agencies coordinated the response and initially denied a permit for lethal control.
Reindeer herder Risten Inga Eira reports all newborn calves in her district have been killed, highlighting increased predator attacks and the community's frustration with the rising eagle population.
Observations From Members 