The County Administrative Board believes that the large increase in wolves in Västra Götaland is due to the licensed hunting of wolves that has been going on for a long time in nearby counties, for example in Örebro. From there, several wolves have made their way south and met up with other wolves in the county and then formed territory.
– There have been several migratory wolves in our county before, but as they become even more numerous, they have met up with each other in our county, says Anita Bergstedt.
Eight wolf territories in the county
In total, there are now eight wolf territories, the majority of which are in Skaraborg. In total, there will be a wolf population of almost 50 individuals. A development that means that the County Administrative Board now warns pet owners.
"The more sheep there are where there are wolves, the greater the likelihood that there will be an attack. So it now requires pet owners to make sure their paddocks are safe.
The dialogue on culling is alive
In the past week, there have been two wolf attacks. Seven sheep were killed in the area of Töllsjö in Bollebygd municipality during the night of Tuesday.
On Thursday, SVT Nyheter Väst also reported that 20 sheep were killed after a wolf attack on Einar de Wit's farm outside Falköping. This has raised the issue of culling.
"There is pressure for us to make a decision on culling, so the dialogue is alive as well. We are following the development closely, and are working to inform about the importance of safe pastures, says Anita Bergstedt.
To be decided this autumn
At present, no decision on culling has been made, but a licensed hunt may be required.
– It is not impossible, such a decision will be made in the autumn, so that the hunt can start in January. But it all depends on the situation in the surrounding counties and what the need looks like to thin out the wolf population.
Start the clip above to hear more about the development of wolves in Västra Götaland in the clip above.