Russian hunters to reduce wolf population

MOSCOW, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Special brigades of hunters have been formed to reduce the wolf population in Yakutia, Russia, to combat the increased attacks on livestock, officials said.

Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in the northeastern republic of Yakutia, where gray wolves killed more than 16,000 domestic reindeer and 300 horses in 2012.

The damage caused by wolves costs the region approximately $5 million annually, RIA Novosti reported Sunday.

The gray wolf population in Yakutia is approximately 4,000, three times the target level. Local authorities said they plan to reduce the number down to 500.