LIFE BOREALWOLF

LIFE BOREALWOLF conveyed information about wolves and their behaviour, promoted local interaction and provided tools for the prevention of adverse impact and losses caused by wolves.

The coexistence of people and wolves in specific regions causes concerns, fears and, occasionally, also losses of dogs and domestic animals. Strong opinions and emotions are associated with wolves, and discussions easily become heated, especially in social media.

The wolf is a threatened species in Finland, and the wolf population is not at a favourable protection level. Reaching a vital wolf population is a challenge if people feel that they cannot coexist with wolves.

The LIFE BOREALWOLF project had three main objectives:

1. Reducing any negative impact associated with the presence of wolves such as fears, concerns, and any losses of dogs and domestic animals.
2. Increasing the acceptability of wolves in society.
3. Developing tools for wolf population management, such as preventing the illegal killing of wolves.

The wolf population grew during the LIFE BOREALWOLF project. According to Luke’s most recent population estimate, there were 277–321 wolves in Finland in March 2024 (with a probability of 90%). The population estimate is an annual estimate of the size and spread of the wolf population. While it is conducted by Luke, the estimate’s dataset consists of wolf sightings made by ordinary people and registered by contact people for large carnivores, as well as of results of wolf DNA samples.

In this context, successful coexistence means that people and wolves can live in the same area, with both experiencing as little harm as possible. Coexistence does not require the complete elimination of problems, but it requires the ability to manage and prevent encounters with wolves. It is important that people feel that they can live with such encounters.

The coexistence between people and wolves is important not only for wolves but also for local people.

Despite coexistence, no one has to tolerate wolves in their own backyard. For example, coexistence is successful when a citizen concerned about wolf tracks can contact the correct party or can remove any factors that attract wolves from outside their home, such as waste that offers nutrition for wolves. Cooperation between citizens, contact people for large carnivores and the wildlife authorities is needed. It helps monitor wolves in each region, actively prevent wolves visiting people’s backyards and intervening in repeated visits before wolves cause any danger.

Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) was the project coordinator. It ensured that the project proceeded as planned, monitored project activities, and took care of reporting, financial management and communication. Furthermore, Luke developed DNA monitoring and modelling tools for population management, and participated in the development of a network of contact people for large carnivores.

The Finnish Wildlife Agency focused on the prevention of wolf depredation and cooperation in wolf regions. It developed the network of contact people for large carnivores and territory cooperation groups. In addition, LIFE BOREALWOLF planners from the Finnish Wildlife Agency were engaged in cooperation with people living in wolf regions.

Metsähallitus participated in communication and wilderness supervision. A game warden from Metsähallitus was one of the members of the two-person patrol working in Eastern Finland. Metsähallitus was also responsible for events held for media representatives.

The Eastern Finland Police Department focused on wilderness supervision. A police officer was the other member of the two-person patrol.

The Uusimaa district of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation held public and media events and school visits in the Western Uusimaa region in 2022 and 2023.

The project parties were engaged in close cooperation across their areas of responsibility. The LIFE BOREALWOLF project employed some 65 people, seven of whom worked full time.

The LIFE BOREALWOLF project started on 1 October 2019, and it will end on 30 September 2025.

The project has received funding from the EU LIFE programme (LIFE BOREALWOLF, LIFE18 NAT/FI/000394). The project is also funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of the Environment and the project organisations. The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) funds activities that aim to protect domestic animals and prevent any losses.