Campaigners push back against Sweden’s controversial bear hunt, urging an end to excessive killing

Around 500 bears are set to be shot in Sweden as the country’s annual licensed hunt begins, with campaigners denouncing it as a “trophy hunt” that goes against the brown bear’s EU protected status. The government has approved the killing of 486 brown bears, representing 20% of the wild population. Critics argue that the hunt is more about maintaining a macho lifestyle than controlling population levels. The bear population in Sweden has seen fluctuations over the years, with estimates varying from 2,200 to 3,300 bears. Conservation efforts have been successful in recovering the bear population, but recent licensed hunts have caused a decline. Campaigners warn that the current hunting quotas could lead to a significant loss in bear numbers, jeopardizing the stability of the population. In addition to licensed hunting, bears can also be killed during protective hunts if they are perceived as a threat. This practice has raised concerns about the real motivations behind the hunt, with some arguing that it is more about eliminating competition for prey rather than conservation. While the EU’s Habitats Directive strictly protects brown bears, Sweden has found a loophole to allow for selective hunting under supervised conditions. However, campaigners are questioning the legality of population-regulating bear hunts. The controversy surrounding Sweden’s bear hunt is part of a larger debate over the management of large carnivores in the country, with ongoing cases involving wolves and lynxes. The Swedish Big Five conservation project is preparing to lodge a formal complaint against the government on behalf of brown bears, emphasizing their crucial role in the country’s ecosystem.

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