Estimated wolf numbers are the same this year as last year, chiefly as a result of Finnish authorities controversially lifting a ban on wolf hunting at the beginning of 2026.
Finland’s wolf population has remained at the same level as last year, according to preliminary population figures published by the Natural Resources Institute (acronymed as Luke in Finnish).
This stabilisation in the numbers follows a few years of rapid population growth, including a near 50 percent increase last year, which led to Finnish authorities controversially lifting a ban on wolf hunting at the beginning of this year.
The law change permitted the hunting of wolves in certain regions during a six-week period between 1 January and 10 February, and resulted in an estimated death toll of 82 wolves.
According to Luke’s latest figures, there are currently about 430 wolves in Finland, and 77 wolf territories. This is roughly the same amount as in 2025.
Luke said in a statement that the hunting quota appears to have halted the growth of Finland’s wolf population.
However, the institute further noted that the true effects of the lifting of the hunting ban will only become apparent in the long term.
Concerns for future of the species
In a separate statement, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation said the latest population estimates prove that the temporary lifting of the ban on wolf hunting should never have happened.
The association noted that the wolf remains a critically endangered species in Finland and the current population count of 430 wolves is not conducive for future conservation.
Association chair Hanna Halmenpää wrote in a press release that Finland’s wolf population should be at least 500 to safeguard the future of the species.
“It is now clear that if hunting continues, the wolf population will not reach a favourable conservation level, and at worst the population may decline,” Halmenpää wrote.
According to Luke’s forecast, Finland’s wolf population could climb as high as 565 individuals if the ban on hunting remains in place.
