Finland's wolverine population is growing, Finland's Natural Resources Institute (Luke) said on Monday.
According to the institute's figures, the wolverine population numbered 447 individuals in February this year.
The estimated size of the stock has increased by 12 percent since last year. In 2022, the population estimate was 400 individuals.
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The institute noted that the wolverine population in Finland has increased tenfold since the early 1990s.
The estimate did not include cubs born in 2023, which are usually born in February or March.
"Intensified population growth is characteristic of animal populations that have the space and food to become more abundant," said Research Professor Ilpo Kojola of Luke.
According to the state forest agency Metsähallitus, in recent years wolverines have spread further south from their traditional range in Eastern and Northern Finland.
Wolverines are the largest members of the weasel family found in Finland. They are primarily scavengers but also kill reindeer, hares, foxes, birds and frogs. An adult male can weigh up to 28 kg.
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