Imagine a centuries-old way of life, suddenly under threat by a mysterious surge in violence. This is the grim reality facing Finnish reindeer herders, who are witnessing a record number of their animals falling victim to wolf attacks. But here's where it gets controversial: while many herders point the finger at wolves crossing from Russia, scientists caution that the truth might be far more complex.
Juha Kujala, a 54-year-old herder, embodies this struggle. Each spring, he releases his reindeer into the vast wilderness along the 830-mile Finnish-Russian border, a tradition passed down through generations. These reindeer, fattening up on lichens, grass, and mushrooms, are the lifeblood of his livelihood. But since 2022, Kujala's routine has been shattered by the haunting sight of reindeer skeletons scattered across the forest floor. He's convinced the culprits are wolves from Russia, taking advantage of the porous border, oblivious to the geopolitical tensions simmering between the two nations.
The numbers are alarming. In 2025, a staggering 2,124 reindeer were reportedly killed by wolves, according to the Reindeer Herders’ Association of Finland. This figure, they believe, is just the tip of the iceberg, as many carcasses likely go undiscovered. Gruesome photos shared by herders depict skeletons stripped clean, bearing the telltale signs of wolf attacks – targeted bites to the throat and legs.
And this is the part most people miss: the herders' suspicions are fueled by a theory that Russian wolf populations have exploded due to a lack of hunting pressure. With many Russian hunters deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine, the wolves, they argue, are spilling over into Finland in search of new prey.
Kujala, whose reindeer winter near Kuusamo, paints a vivid picture: “The last year has been the worst ever for wolf attacks in this area. The reindeer are an easy catch for them... You can see the signs that it is wolves... When you’ve seen enough dead ones, you can tell.” He points to wolf tracks in the snow, originating from the Russian side of the border, a mere 38 kilometers away.
However, authorities remain cautious about definitively blaming Russian wolves. The lack of communication across the border makes it nearly impossible to gather crucial information from Russia. Finnish herders, once able to retrieve reindeer that strayed across the border, now face a new reality post-Ukraine invasion.
The wolf's conservation status adds another layer of complexity. Until recently, wolves were strictly protected in the EU, their numbers rebounding from near-extinction. But with their population nearly doubling across Europe between 2012 and 2023, reaching around 20,300, the EU downgraded their protection level. This shift, coupled with an estimated 65,500 livestock killed annually by wolves, has led some EU states to increase culling measures. Finland, following suit, lifted its wolf hunting ban in 2026, opting for a quota system to manage the population.
Ilpo Kojola, a wolf specialist at Finland’s Natural Resources Institute, acknowledges the possibility of a link between the war in Ukraine and the surge in wolf attacks. Historically, Russia's wolf population has seen spikes during periods of conflict, such as World War II and the collapse of the USSR. However, he emphasizes the lack of concrete evidence: “It’s impossible to be conclusive... there could be some other reason that we do not have solid evidence for.”
Genetic testing of wolves shot in Finland offers a glimmer of insight. Mia Valtonen, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Institute, notes that a majority of these wolves appear to be non-native. However, without a complete genetic record of Finland's wolf population, definitive conclusions remain elusive. “We cannot say for sure that most of these wolves come from Russia. It’s likely, but we cannot say it for sure,” she admits.
For Kujala and his fellow herders, the scientific caution feels like a luxury they can't afford. They demand immediate action to protect their reindeer, a vital part of their cultural and economic heritage. “We do not hate the wolves,” Kujala clarifies, “but we need balance... This is our life, it’s our job, it’s how we live. It’s been like this for hundreds of years.”
This conflict between conservation and livelihood raises crucial questions: How can we strike a balance between protecting predators and safeguarding traditional ways of life? Should international conflicts be allowed to spill over into the natural world, disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods? The fate of Finland's reindeer herders hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of the complex interplay between human actions and the natural world. What do you think? Is it fair to blame Russian wolves for the surge in attacks, or are there other factors at play? Let us know in the comments below.
