Norway has counted its wolves. For the first time in 11 years, an important threshold has been crossed
For the first time in 11 years, the number of wolf litters in Norway has fallen below the national target. This winter, young wolves were confirmed in two entirely Norwegian territories and three border territories with Sweden. The data also show a further decline in the number of wolves in the country.
Wolves are photographed and recorded, among other methods, using forest camera traps.
Fot. Lilly M, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (zdjęcie poglądowe)
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) reported that the latest status report was prepared by Inland University on behalf of Rovdata. The registration took place from October 1 to March 31. Wolves in Norway and Sweden form a joint Scandinavian population that lives on both sides of the border. The results refer to the winter of 2025-2026.
The target was not met. The number of litters has dropped
The Storting set a national target of 4-6 wolf litters per year. This includes litters in Norway and in border territories. At least three litters should come from entirely Norwegian territories. Litters in border territories are counted as 0.5.
Rovdata reported that young wolves were confirmed in the Disenå and Setten territories, both located entirely in Norway. Additional litters were detected in the Boksjø, Kynna, and Kymmen territories, which are on the border with Sweden. In total, this amounts to 3.5 litters, of which only two are in Norway.
Rovdata reported that young wolves were confirmed in the Disenå and Setten territories, both located entirely in Norway. Additional litters were detected in the Boksjø, Kynna, and Kymmen territories, which are on the border with Sweden. In total, this amounts to 3.5 litters, of which only two are in Norway.
In Norway, activists regularly protest against the culling of wolves.Photo: MaxPixel
There are fewer wolves. Most live in the so-called wolf zone
During the winter, 55-58 wolves were recorded within Norway's borders. Of these, 34-36 individuals were present exclusively in Norway. Another 21-22 wolves were found in border territories. The previous winter, the number was 59-66 wolves in Norway.
Rovdata also recorded two family groups without young. Three pairs marking territories in Norway were also confirmed. One such pair was detected on both sides of the border. All wolves except one were found in districts included in the wolf zone in southeastern Norway.
Rovdata also recorded two family groups without young. Three pairs marking territories in Norway were also confirmed. One such pair was detected on both sides of the border. All wolves except one were found in districts included in the wolf zone in southeastern Norway.
The only exception concerned a wolf documented in Jarfjord in Finnmark. This year's data also included a dead wolf shot during ongoing licensed hunting outside the wolf zone in the Ringsaker municipality.
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