The authorities in Russia's far eastern Amur Region say they will reward hunters cash bounties to kill members of the growing wolf population.
Hunters will receive 8,046 rubles ($274.70) for every wolf skin they bring to the local wildlife protection department.
"The number of wolves in the Amur region is growing steadily," a spokesman said. "In 2010 there were 225, 000 wolves, up from 206,000 in 2009."
Wolves pose a threat to deer, elks, goats and roe deer living in the region. The authorities say 189 wolves must be killed in 2011 to stabilize the situation.
Previously the regional authorities controlled the population by laying down poisoned meat near the wolves' habitats, but the method was banned five years ago.
VLADIVOSTOK, February 16 (RIA Novosti)
