After intense weeks of protection hunting, the wolf that injured and killed several sheep on both Orust and Tjörn was finally killed.
Now the shot animal must be inspected on site and then examined to ensure that it is the right wolf.
This is done by taking a skin flap for analysis.
- It is interesting for us to see if it matches the individual that we have identified during the attacks, says Nelly Grönberg.
For the sheep owners on the island, the shot wolf comes as a relief.
- The sheep owners I have talked to do not see it as a triumph that the wolf has been shot, but of course it is a great relief.
You can breathe out again, says Nelly Grönberg.
Sent for autopsy in Uppsala
When the wolf is inspected and ready, it will be transported to the Statens Veterinärmedicinska anstalt (SVA) in Uppsala where it will be autopsied for research purposes.
The idea is to see how the species has evolved over time.
This is not the first time a wolf has moved in the area around Orust and Tjörn, and the presumption is not the last.
But hopefully future wolves are not as willing to harm sheep as this particular wolf, says Nelly Grönberg.
- There is plenty of game on Orust and Tjörn and thus no reason for a wolf to go into a pasture and kill sheep.
How can you as a sheep owner best protect your domestic animals from future attacks of this type?
- It is not always possible as an animal owner to keep this type of animal away, despite good fencing and supervision. In some places you have to be open to water for sheep that graze on islands. It is better for sheep and nature is often a nature reserve. But it is something you as a pet owner can think about, if it is necessary to stay open to water when there is a harmful wolf in the area.