Wolfdog hybrids are classified as an invasive species and are targeted for elimination from the wild.
In Finland, the wolf hunting season has been open for just over three weeks, with hunters having already taken down 81 of the 100 wolves permitted by the quota.
Among the fallen were three wolves identified as wolfdog hybrids, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). These hybrids were tracked in the southeastern regions, as well as in the Kaskinen–Närpes and Peurainneva areas of western Ostrobothnia.
Legally recognized as an alien species, wolfdogs are targeted for removal from their natural habitats. Earlier studies based on faecal samples have confirmed their presence in these areas, including Kytäjä in Hyvinkää, northern Uusimaa.
Black Fur May Indicate Hybrid Status
DNA tests on three other canines shot in southeastern Finland yielded inconclusive results. These samples will undergo re-analysis in the spring and may include potential wolfdog hybrids, as noted by Jan Ylhäinen, hunting warden in Miehikkälä-Virolahti, the country’s southeasternmost area.
Ylhäinen pointed out that one of the uncertain samples came from an animal displaying black fur, a characteristic often associated with hybrids.
Yet, he cautioned that recognizing hybrids in the field is an exceedingly difficult task.
“I often can’t tell them apart myself in the forest,” he remarked to Yle.
Each confirmed hybrid is deducted from the hunting quota, which means hunters have the opportunity to pursue at least three additional wolves before the season wraps up on February 10.
As of Sunday morning, 81 out of the 100 wolves had been culled, with approximately 75 of those taken within the first week of the year. Since then, the pace of hunting has notably slowed.
“The targets we had identified for hunting have mostly been eliminated. It’s likely that some wolves in the vicinity have moved out as well. We make efforts to avoid hunting wolves that are outside our designated quota area,” Ylhäinen explained.
Fangs Sent to the United States for Analysis
Visa Eronen, Wildlife Manager at the Finnish Wildlife Agency, emphasized that the hunting season should not extend beyond the current timeline, even if the quota is not fully met by the deadline. Such a limitation is designed to prevent disruptions during the wolves’ mating season.
“The established cut-off date has been thoughtfully chosen. We want to avoid interfering with breeding, ensuring that pregnant females are not left without mates in the quota area,” Eronen stated.
Meanwhile, researchers at Luke continue to analyze DNA, canine teeth, and reproductive systems from the slain wolves.
DNA analysis helps to identify individuals that may have been previously noted from stool samples.
“Eventually, we will also be able to investigate familial relationships and determine the pack affiliations of each animal,” explained Mia Valtonen, a senior researcher at Luke.
As part of their research, the wolves’ fangs are removed at the Luke laboratory and sent to the United States, where specialists can accurately assess the age of each individual from their canine teeth roots.