The lynx hunt started on March 1 in Sweden, with a quota of 153 animals to be shot, equating to more than one tenth of the population. Despite causing few damages and being protected under EU law, the hunt is conducted annually mainly for trophies. Opinion polls indicate low public support for license hunting.
The annual license hunt for lynx began on March 1 in Sweden. According to the plan, 153 lynx are to be shot during the season, representing more than one tenth of the total Swedish population. In Dalarna county, the quota is set at a maximum of 20 lynx, distributed across three hunting areas with a limit of eight adult females.
The lynx, which is red-listed, protected, and subject to strict EU legislation, causes few damages to livestock. There are more effective preventive measures to minimize potential issues, but the hunt is often motivated by trophy interests. A poll indicates that 97 percent of Swedes appreciate the presence of lynx in nature, though few are aware of the hunting. Support is low: 63 percent are negative or very negative toward license hunting, while only about 13 percent are positive.
Critics warn that the culling will significantly weaken the population. The hunt proceeds despite the strong protections, and the debate over its necessity continues.
