Reindeer cause a curious border conflict between Norway and Russia. Because they often cross the Russian border, Russia is demanding compensation for unwanted “harboring” and feeding of the animals. Oslo responds that it is now forced to kill the reindeer returning from Russia.
Normally, a border fence is supposed to prevent reindeer from ‘commuting’ back and forth between Norway and Russia. But the fence is apparently damaged in several places. As a result, reindeer herds, which normally graze on Norwegian territory, are now crossing the border into Russia. This year alone, dozens of animals are said to have migrated in search of new pastures.
Now that some of the reindeer have returned home, Russia is demanding financial compensation from Norway. The Russians want to be compensated for the unwanted “harbouring” of the reindeer.
According to the Russian authorities, Norway would have to pay about 4,500 euros per reindeer that crosses the border. In addition, a lump sum is due for the number of days the reindeer have spent in the neighboring country. The total damage caused by the commuting behavior of the animals is already in the millions. “It is strictly forbidden to cross the border into Russia, including for reindeer,” Norway’s Agriculture Directorate said in a statement.
To prevent reindeer from crossing the border again and causing economic damage, the ‘returners’ will be slaughtered in Norway. The Russian-Norwegian border is more than 150 kilometers long and seven kilometers of it is now being equipped with a reinforced ‘reindeer barrier’.
However, according to the Norwegian authorities, the construction of the new barrier is complex because the workers are only allowed to work on Norwegian territory. Crossing the border without a Russian visa is illegal. The cost of construction is estimated at 322,000 euros. The new barrier should be ready by October 1.
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