Norwegian authorities, including the Norwegian Environment Agency and Økokrim, are increasingly concerned about the illegal killing of wolverines, particularly as new research suggests that high mortality rates in certain areas cannot be easily explained. Since 2019, the Statens naturoppsyn has identified a total of seven cases of illegal wolverine killings, pointing to the possibility of significant unreported incidents. Morten Kjørstad, head of the Statens naturoppsyn, emphasizes the seriousness of this potential environmental crime, which can be relatively easy to hide, indicating that the actual number of illegal killings may be much higher than current statistics suggest.

The investigation into these illegal killings faces considerable challenges due to the limited monitoring in outdoor areas, making it difficult for environmental agencies to enforce laws effectively. The illegal killings pose a threat not only to wildlife populations but also undermine conservation efforts aimed at preserving natural ecosystems in Norway. The identified cases of illegal killings in 2019 and 2020 were concentrated in border areas between Nordland and Norrbotten, highlighting cross-border issues in wildlife management and enforcement between Norway and Sweden.

Overall, the growing evidence of illegal wolverine killings raises alarm bells for environmental agencies, indicating an urgent need for increased monitoring and enforcement measures to combat potential wildlife crime. The situation calls for collaboration between Norwegian and Swedish authorities to address the challenges posed by wildlife crime effectively and ensure the protection of vulnerable species such as the wolverine.