“Sweden’s annual bear hunt has ignited fierce debate as more than 150 brown bears were killed in just the first days of the season. Conservationists warn this could threaten the survival of the Scandinavian bear population”
Sweden’s Bear Hunt Sparks Controversy Amid Growing Conservation Concerns
Sweden’s annual bear hunt has ignited fierce debate as more than 150 brown bears were killed in just the first days of the season. Conservationists are warning that this aggressive hunting could threaten the long-term survival of the Scandinavian bear population.
With a record 486 hunting licenses issued this year, nearly 20% of Sweden’s remaining brown bears are at risk. The controversial hunt comes on the heels of last year’s cull, which saw the killing of 722 bears, raising alarm among wildlife advocates. By just the second day of this year’s hunt, 152 bears had already been killed, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Tensions Rise as Protesters and Hunters Clash
This year’s hunt has drawn unprecedented attention, with police escorts for hunters for the first time in anticipation of protests from animal rights groups. Magnus Orrebrant, chair of the Swedish Carnivore Association, expressed deep concern: “Modern hunting methods make it frighteningly easy to kill a bear – it’s nothing short of slaughter.”
To prevent disruptions, police have deployed drones and patrols in the forests. “We’ve had to ensure the hunt proceeds without disturbance,” said Joacim Lundqvist, a wildlife coordinator with the police. Despite the heightened security, Magnus Jensen from the Swedish Hunting Association noted a decrease in the fear of protesters this year compared to previous years.
Brown Bear Population at Risk
Sweden’s brown bear population has dwindled by 40% since 2008, with approximately 2,400 bears remaining today. Conservationists fear that continued culling at this scale could push the population dangerously close to the 1,400 minimum need
ed to maintain a viable bear population, as defined by Swedish authorities.
The concern extends beyond Sweden. Norwegian environmental groups have expressed alarm, fearing that the Swedish cull could also impact the brown bear population across Scandinavia. Truls Gulowsen, head of the Norwegian Nature Conservation Organisation, cautioned, “This aggressive reduction could have catastrophic consequences for the entire Scandinavian region.”
Jonas Kindberg, a leading scientist from the Scandinavian Bear Project, em
phasized the need for caution: “If the population is to remain stable at around 2,400 bears, the annual cull should be limited to about 250.”
Hunting vs. Conservation: A Cultural Divide
While conservationists voice concern over Sweden’s high hunting quotas, some defend the hunt as part of Sweden’s cultural heritage. Magnus Rydholm, communications director for the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, said, “Northern Sweden would not be what it is today without hunting. It’s a tradition and a right we must preserve.”
This year, Sweden has relaxed hunting regulations, allowing practices like baiting, camera surveillance, and the use of dogs, which were previously restricted. These relaxed rules have resulted in a surge of hunting applications, with over 1,400 requests for baiting permits—a 50% increase from last year.
While hunters argue these methods reduce stress on the animals, conservationists remain concerned about the rapid expansion of such practices, fearing they will increase the overall bear kill rate.
A Broader European Issue
Sweden’s bear hunt raises broader questions about balancing wildlife conservation with traditional hunting practices across Europe. The EU habitat directive classifies brown bears as a strictly protected species, meaning deliberate killing is prohibited unless necessary for public safety or environmental protection. The high hunting quotas in Sweden have sparked concerns about potential violations of this directive.
