"Norway Plans To Cull More Than Two-Thirds Of Its Wolf Population"

"Environmental groups criticise plan that will allow hunters to shoot up to 47 of an estimated 68 wolves living in wilderness".

"Norway is planning to cull more than two-thirds of its remaining wolves in a step that environmental groups say will be disastrous for the dwindling members of the species in the wild.

There are estimated to be about 68 wolves remaining in the wilderness areas of Norway, concentrated in the south-east of the country, but under controversial plans approved on Friday as many as 47 of these will be shot.

Hunting is a popular sport in the country. Last year more than 11,000 hunters applied for licences to shoot 16 wolves, a ratio of more than 700 applicants to each licence."

Fiona Harvey reports for the Guardian September 16, 2016.