In Sweden, the largest wolf hunt in recent history began, during which hunters were allowed to kill 75 of 460 wolves.
Despite the calls of eco-activists, it will last until the end of January 2023, reports Far Out Magazine.
The article emphasized that ecoactivists are afraid of similar hunts in other European countries as well.
Sweden's Minister of Rural Affairs, Anna-Karen Setterberg, explained that the wolf population was growing every year. Therefore, the country's government asked the state environmental protection agency to review the number of wolves available for culling. According to many residents, the wolf population in Sweden is out of control.
It is noted that, as stated in the agency, the number of wolves should remain around 300 in order to avoid inbreeding, i.e. crossing between close relatives. However, the parliament is in favor of reducing the wolf population to 170 individuals, which is the lowest figure that can be achieved without violating the rules of the EU Species and Habitats Directive.
The article emphasized that the population of wolves in Sweden is much lower than in many other European countries. There are about 3,300 wolves in Italy, about 1,886 in Poland, and 783 in France.
The authors noted that wolf hunting in Sweden puts wolf populations in Scandinavia at even greater risk. The Nordic wolf is listed as an endangered species, but there are certain restrictions in Norway. Only four to six cubs can be born each year. It is the only country in the world that has set restrictions on endangered species.
As EcoPolitic reported earlier, there are no native wolves left in Norway. The last of them disappeared half a century ago.
