Finland approves wolf hunt in trial cull

Authorised hunt of nearly 50 of the country's 250 grey wolves, beginning this weekend, aims to curb illegal poaching

Finnish hunters have been authorised to kill nearly 20% of the country's wolf population in a controversial trial cull that begins this weekend, aimed at managing stocks.

Authorities hope the sanctioned hunt of nearly 50 of the country's estimated 250 grey wolves will curb illegal poaching, which some rural landowners have resorted to in recent years after seeing wolves on their property, sometimes killing their dogs and livestock.