Emergency measures must stop wolf attacks

On the night before Friday, another wolf attack took place where six sheep died and two more were missing. A number of measures are now being put in place to protect the remaining sheep.

An example is so-called patchwork fabrics which are ropes with several flags on them and which are hung up by the fence.

- Then the wolf perceives it as if something has happened here, man has been here, says Henrik Blanck, who is unit manager for the land unit at the County Administrative Board in Jönköping County.

Patchwork is a measure that only works for a short period, such as a week. Other measures that must be taken to demonstrate human presence are, for example, placing "scarecrows" and people moving in the area so that it smells like humans.

The County Administrative Board also advises to fence off the water so that the wolf does not take the waterway to the sheep. The owner will also move the sheep and fill them in so that they are not too scattered.

- And we will sit and watch tonight. These include the owner and staff from the County Administrative Board. There is probably at least one who has a rifle with him, says Henrik Blanck.

According to section 28 of the Hunting Ordinance, however, one must first try to scare the wolf away, before possibly shooting.

If deemed necessary, cameras may also be set up. In this way it is possible to learn more about the wolf, what it is for an individual and how it behaves.

The protection hunt was temporarily stopped due to the appeal, what happens in that case?

- We hurried to submit our opinion to the Administrative Court this morning. Actually, we had until Monday.

What do you think about another wolf attack?

- It is unfortunate for the pet owner of course. Had we had protection hunting, we could have acted quickly, now that the wolf is up and running, says Henrik Blanck.