Russian officials want wealthy tourists to come to their country to shoot wolves. They want tourists to pay $15,000 to come shoot a wolf from a helicopter if we’re being specific.
Considering this is coming from Russia, this isn’t all that crazy. Especially since they’re, well…Russia.
The actual idea is that of local MP Viktor Federov. He believes 400 wolves could be shot each year out of a population of 12,000.
“We already have tourists, local and some from abroad, who are willing to pay $10,000 for hunting one wolf. This is like shooting sparrows from a cannon,” said Federov.
He came up with this idea because they have a problem with an overpopulation of wolves. They can’t afford to cull the numbers that they need, so they’re appealing to the trophy hunters out there who like to pay big to hunt exotic prey.
There’s also a $20,000 fine if you accidentally shoot anything other than a wolf on the trip.
Wolves in the area are responsible for roughly 9,000 reindeer deaths and 500 horse deaths a year, costing farmers in the area $2.5 million every year.
Russia is particularly hoping this new plan appeals to rich Chinese tourists.
The $15,000 fee covers the animal cost, transportation, accommodations, food and you even get to keep the pelt.
