File Photo Lehtikuva
Large carnivores caused animal casualties to the tune of 8.5 million euros in 2013.
According to estimates of the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, the figure increased by more than one million euros from the previous year.
Reindeer suffered most as they incurred more than 90 per cent of the afflictions. Wolverines killed nearly 3,600 reindeer, lynx killed about 860 bears and as many as 580 deer, and wolves killed around 350 deer. Wolves also caused 25 afflictions to dogs.
According to the estimates, the livestock damage wrought by lynx had increased by 245,000 euros from that in 2012.
The ministry said it would not be possible to fully compensate for the damages unless additional funding was provided. At this stage, the compensations will be cut to half.
Last year, the compensations were paid fully as the parliament approved additional funding.
