From Lauritz Somme
Stephen Harris would like to reintroduce large carnivorous mammals to Britain
(29 September, p 40),
including the wolf, lynx and bear. In Norway we have great
problems with carnivores and livestock. Wolves have recently been reintroduced
and cause more damage than other carnivores in the areas where they are present.
They not only kill single sheep to eat, they damage whole flocks.
In this country, the authorities pay millions of pounds in compensation for
losses and to protect livestock from carnivores. Although “friends of the
wolves” insist that they are part of our fauna, farmers object to the damage.
Wolves are unlikely to attack humans, unless the animals have rabies, but many
people still fear their presence in the forests.
Oslo, Norway
