More wolves to be hunted this season in Latvia

Take note – story published 1 year ago

The State Forestry Service (VMD) said February 1 it will allow the hunting of an increased number of wolves this season due to a reported increase in the number of attacks on livestock.

"In connection with the fact that the number of registered reports on wolf attacks and the amount of damage caused by them has increased, the State Forestry Service has increased the permissible wolf hunting volume by 20 animals for the hunting season of 2023. They are allowed to be hunted only in those districts from which information about the damage caused by wolves has been received," said the VMD.

In 2022, the VMD received reports of 79 confirmed wolf attacks in which 497 livestock were injured, while in 2021, 51 attacks were registered and 182 livestock were injured. Taking into account the increase in the damage caused by wolves and the data on the wolf population obtained in this hunting season, the VMD decided to increase the permissible hunting volume of wolves from 280 to 300.

This applicable hunting season runs until until March 31, 2023.

The service reminded licensed hunters that they must take a photo of the wolf's teeth and record the place, time and date of the hunt with GPS coordinates also recorded in the photo file and send details to the e-mail address [email protected] no later than during the next working day.

For more information see the VMD website: https://www.vmd.gov.lv

According to its data, the State Forestry Service has concluded that the state of the wolf population in Latvia is stable, with an increasing trend, therefore it is permissible to increase the amount of wolf hunting. The service reminds that the wolf hunting limit is determined in accordance with the conditions of the gray wolf species protection plan, but at the same time it is necessary to take into account the interests of rural residents and farmers. 

"Wolves are increasingly attacking livestock and pets, causing financial losses. Hunting reduces the risk of damage caused by wolves to livestock, allows rural residents to feel safer, and generally improves society's ability to coexist with wolf populations," said the VMD, which is a subsidiary body of the Agriculture Ministry.

The VMD is also inviting residents to report signs of the presence of wolves in order to obtain as much information as possible about the distribution of wolves in Latvia. The collected information is essential in making decisions that ensure the sustainable management of hunting resources.

Clear and snowy weather conditions are particularly suitable for observing signs of animal activity. Therefore, the State Forestry Service invites hunters and other forest visitors to use the opportunity to detect and report signs of the presence of wolves - tracks, scat, as well as the remains of animals likely killed by wolves.

Sightings can be reported via  the "Mednis" app, which can be downloaded for free on both Android and Apple iOS smartphones. 

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