Kronoberg wolf attacks prompt DNA investigation

A series of wolf attacks in Kronoberg, Sweden, has caused significant livestock losses and prompted investigations by the County Administrative Board. In a recent incident in Fathult, near Lidhult, a flock of sheep was attacked, resulting in the deaths of two ewes and three lambs, while another lamb and a ram had to be euthanized due to severe injuries.

DNA analysis is currently underway to determine if this latest attack was carried out by the same wolf responsible for two previous attacks near Åseda and Lammhult. That wolf is identified as a young female from the Setten territory in Norway. As an ‘F1’ wolf—the first generation of offspring from an immigrant wolf—she is considered to have high genetic value for the Scandinavian wolf population.

Magnus Lundmark, a predator expert at the County Administrative Board, stated that if the DNA results confirm the same wolf is responsible, the authority will re-evaluate the grounds for protective hunting. While previous assessments suggested a hunting decision might not hold up in court due to the wolf's genetic importance, the third attack may change the legal standing for such measures. Currently, the region is not subject to license hunting, which is used to manage overall populations, as it is uncertain if a stable territory even exists in the area this year.