Current News Mar 28, 2024

An Estonian wolf hunt took me deep into Europe’s culture war over culling the wild species

Frost shimmers in the crown of a birch tree as dozens of men crawl out of cars, vans and jeeps. They hang guns on their backs and trudge through the snow, their breath whirling in the freezing air.

Up to 40% of Estonia’s wolves were shot this winter. Neither hunters or environmentalists are happy about it.
By Tom Peeters

Hunters killed up to 40% of Estonia’s wolves this winter, a quota challenged in court. How far will Europeans tolerate the wolf in our landscapes?

 

Frost shimmers in the crown of a birch tree as dozens of men crawl out of cars, vans and jeeps. They hang guns on their backs and trudge through the snow, their breath whirling in the freezing air.

In scattered formation, the hunters surround a forest near Suursoo, 25 kilometres from Estonia’s capital Tallinn. It’s January, 20 degrees below zero - perfect weather for a wolf hunt.

A tracker stalks paw prints deep into the forest and the others follow his movements through an app. Suddenly, the radio crackles. “Get ready!” But amidst a flurry of shots, the wolves escape.

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