Sweden’s brown bears face a severe threat as many hunting licenses have been issued for this year’s hunting season, sparking concern among conservationists. A total of 486 permits have been granted, alarming groups who argue that this could severely harm the country’s already shrinking brown bear population, currently estimated at around 2,450.
These numbers have been declining steadily, and conservation organizations like Sweden’s Big Five are warning that this increase in hunting could undo over a century of progress in protecting these majestic animals. In the early 1900s, brown bears were nearly wiped out in Sweden due to aggressive hunting policies. Thanks to strict protections, their population had rebounded to a peak of 3,298 in 2008. However, the recent surge in hunting is seen as a troubling step backwards.
Hunting licenses in Sweden are issued by regional administrative boards, which this year collectively approved 486 licenses across the country. While there are processes in place to appeal these decisions, and specific criteria must be met for a license to be granted, critics argue that the system is increasingly biased in favour of hunters. Many believe the rise in hunting permits is primarily driven by those who see bears as competition for games like moose or elk or hunt for sport.
This controversy isn’t limited to brown bears. Similar policies targeting wolves and lynx have also drawn strong opposition from conservation groups. The Swedish Carnivore Association has even lodged a complaint against the government over its approach to lynx hunting, claiming it violates the European Union’s Habitats Directive, which mandates strict protection for species like lynx, bears, and wolves.
Sweden’s Big Five is particularly concerned that the government’s decision to issue nearly 500 hunting permits suggests an intention to reduce the brown bear population to a minimum of 1,400 bears. Brown bears mature slowly, have low birth rates, and are especially vulnerable to heavy hunting pressure.
Conservationists are advocating for alternative ways to manage the bear population that don’t involve lethal measures. They suggest solutions like using fences to protect livestock from bears or promoting wildlife tourism to generate income for local communities while preserving these iconic animals.
