Fear of Wolves on the King's Estate After Sheep Attacks

Over a dozen sheep have been killed by wolves in Södermanland. Concerns are high at the King's estate, Stenhammar, near Flen.

– No one wants sheep because the wolves eat them, says Per Rudengren, operations manager at Stenhammar estate.

Since mid-May, more than a dozen sheep have been killed by wolves in central Södermanland.

Wolves are now being hunted in the area around Flen and Stenhammar Castle, where the King runs agriculture.

– Södermanland County is the most wolf-populated county in the country today, says Per Rudengren, operations manager at Stenhammar estate during this year's Stenhammar Day.

Last year, a pony, two alpacas, four goats, and 40 sheep were attacked in Södermanland County, according to the county administrative board. So far this year, the number is close to 30 sheep.

“It is likely that this wolf will continue to attack sheep in the area,” writes the Administrative Court in the decision on protective hunting, adding that there is a “significant risk of serious damage in the area.”

“No One Wants Sheep”

Stenhammar has received inquiries from nearby farms about letting cows graze on their land because they do not have enough animals themselves.

– We have wondered why this is so, and much is due to the wolf population, says Per Rudengren.

– No one wants sheep because the wolves eat them.

Stenhammar, which only has beef cattle and no sheep, has “yet” not lost any animals to the wolves, he says. But the concern for them exists.

– Yes, the wolves are in the vicinity here.