Controversial Bear Cull in Sweden Sparks Outcry from Conservationists

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A contentious bear cull in Sweden has ignited fierce criticism from conservationists, who label the initiative as “pure trophy hunting.” The cull, which commenced on Wednesday, aims to eliminate over 480 brown bears, representing 20% of the nation’s population. Just two days into the event, more than 150 bears had already been shot. This year marks the first time police are accompanying hunters, utilizing drones to deter potential protests against the high number of hunting licenses issued. Conservationists argue that the cull could lead to a significant decline in the bear population, which has already seen a decrease in recent years due to increased licensed hunting. Magnus Orrebrant, chair of the Swedish Carnivore Association, emphasized that the current hunting practices prioritize killing over conservation. Experts warn that the proposed cull could reduce the bear population to approximately 2,000, a nearly 40% drop since 2008, and jeopardize the species' long-term viability. The Swedish government has faced backlash for its predator management strategy, which has also included culling wolves and lynxes. Critics, including the conservation group Sweden’s Big Five, argue that the high number of hunting licenses undermines decades of conservation efforts. They contend that a robust bear population is essential for ecological balance and could enhance Sweden's appeal for ecological tourism, potentially generating more revenue than hunting licenses. As the hunting season progresses, concerns grow over the potential long-term impacts on the bear population, particularly regarding the difficulty in distinguishing between male and female bears during hunts. Conservationists fear that the current policies may lead to irreversible damage to Sweden's wildlife heritage.