In the opening days of Sweden's annual bear hunt, over 150 brown bears have been killed, igniting controversy among conservationists who label the event as "pure slaughter." The government issued 486 hunting licenses this year, representing about 20% of the brown bear population, following last year's record cull of 722 bears. By Thursday afternoon, 152 bears had already been shot, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The hunt sparked protests, leading police to accompany hunters for the first time to ensure safety. Magnus Orrebrant, chair of the Swedish Carnivore Association, criticized modern hunting methods as excessively lethal. Police have been monitoring the situation on foot and with drones to prevent disruptions
Despite these concerns, hunting advocates argue it’s a cultural tradition and necessary for population management, even as Sweden relaxes regulations on hunting methods.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/23/swedish-hunters-brown-bears-annual-cull-slaughter-wolf-lynx-aoe
