Wolf-hunt campaign in Russia to optimize wolf population

KHABAROVSK: Facing frequent wolf attacks, authorities in Russia's Siberian Republic of Yakutia will launch a three-month long wolf-hunt to optimize the number of the predators in the region.

The decision to launch the campaign against the wolves from January 15 was taken on Saturday at a local government meeting, Itar Tass quoted an official as saying.

"People are over frequent wolf attacks on domestic animals," head of the republic, Yegor Borisov said.

According to statistics, wolves have hunted as many as 16,111 deers belonging to deer breeders in 2012. Each deer costing 10,000 roubles (about 350 US dollars)incurred a total loss of more than 150 million roubles. Apart from that 314 horses were also killed in wolf attacks.

Yakutia's wolf population in 2012 was 3,500. According to expert opinion, the optimal number of these predators is to be 500. A total of 730 wolves were killed in 2012.

The local authorities have promised to provide wolf hunters with fuel, spare parts, munitions and helicopters. Along with bonuses for each killed wolf, three best wolf hunters will also be rewarded.