"Glad the wolf is back in Östergötland"

But the Swedish Predators Association welcomes the wolf couple and its six puppies.

- It is gratifying that the wolf is back in Östergötland. It fulfills a function and it is important to get people to understand it, says Björn Ljunggren from the Swedish Predators Association in Östergötland.

Despite three documented wolf attacks and several incidents that the wolf is suspected to be behind, he sees no reason for hunting for protection.

- Under current legislation, two prerequisites are required for a hunting permit to be granted. One is that the animal has a favorable conservation status, and according to the EU, the Swedish wolf does not have it. The second is that there is no other suitable solution, and I mean that there is, says Björn Ljunggren, who adds that neither the argument that the wolf is apparently unsightly gives protection hunting.

- It is normal behavior that they are curious, especially the puppies, but I understand if it can be perceived as aggressive, he says.

What do you mean is a solution other than protective hunting?

- To enclose the tambourines so that the wolf does not reach them.

The farmers in the area mean that they did.

- Not good enough. If properly closed, the wolf is kept out.

And if the pasture borders a river?

- You can fence there too.

Björn Ljunggren understands the concerns that the people in the area feel and he takes it seriously, but he is convinced that the solution to the problem is to shut down and to shut down correctly.

- Within the Predators Association we are happy to help with closure and to advise, he says.