The large predators

Sweden's large carnivores have started to increase in number again, having been virtually exterminaed in the middle of the last century. Bears are doing best, whereas wolverine, wolf and lynx remain seriously endangered.

• • Survey provides answers

    It is no simple matter to ascertain the size of a population in the wild. Surveys of wolverine, wolf and lynx are mainly made by tracking in the snow, while the survey of bears in Sweden nowadays include DNA-testing of droppings.

• • Council For Predator Issues

    The Council for Predator Issues was established at the Swedish EPA in 2002 to facilitate the implementation of the Coherent Predator Policy laid down by the Swedish Parliament.

• • Coherent Predator Policy

    The Swedish Parliament has decided to ensure the long-term survival of Sweden's large carnivores – brown bear, wolverine, golden eagle, lynx and wolf. A broad series of measures are taken to minimise conflicts and to prevent damage.

• • Illegal Hunting of Predators

    A study of tagged predators has shown that 25 per cent of the wolves have been killed illegally. The figure for lynx is 10 – 15 per cent.

• • Large predators and hunting

    The Swedish EPA issues controlled orders on the basis of the hunting legislation, which has been harmonised with EC directives in the field. Since these predators are protected, there is no general hunting of them.

• • Grants and compensation for damage

    The majority of livestock and domestic animals killed by predators are reindeer. There are two systems used to compensate for and prevent loss, injury and damage caused by predators: one outside and one within the reindeer herding area.

• • Attitudes to large carnivores

    The majority of Swedes living in areas where carnivores are found have a positive attitude towards them and the Swedish approach to managing them. There are also significant minorities who are critical to the prevailing predator policy.