A wolf attacked a hunting dog and its owner during a hare hunt in Loppi, southern Finland. The incident occurred in late September while hunters tracked hares in the Sajaniemi area.
The hunting dog returned from the forest with the wolf chasing close behind. The owner lifted the dog into their arms for protection. The wolf continued trying to reach the dog multiple times while it was held by the owner.
Police confirmed both the dog and owner sustained minor injuries during the encounter. Authorities immediately ordered the wolf to be euthanized following the attack.
The 29-kilogram male wolf was located over a month later in late October. It was found approximately 1.5 kilometers from the original attack site. Wildlife management volunteers from the Loppi game management association shot the animal on a Saturday morning between 9-10 AM.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between wildlife protection and rural safety in Finland's forest communities. Wolf encounters remain relatively rare but create genuine safety concerns for those living near forested areas.