Hunters have shot 54 wolves in Sweden in a month. The largest wolf cull in the country’s history will require a total of 75 animals to be culled by 2023, while scientists have issued a negative advice.
The culling has angered conservationists, but satisfied farmers. They see the wolves as a threat to their livelihood.
Despite warnings from scientists that the number of wolves is not large enough to sustain the population, the government in Stockholm authorized the culling.
“Wolves pose a threat to people living in rural areas,” said Kjell-Arne Ottosson, MP and vice-chairman of the Environment and Agriculture Committee. According to Swedish farmers, more than 340 sheep will be killed by a wolf in 2021. Also, deer and moose are said to be regularly attacked.
The total wolf population is estimated at 460. According to animal and nature organizations, that number is too small to maintain the population. Still, the government wanted to limit the number of wolves to 270 animals two years ago.
In the 1960s, the wolf ended up on a list of endangered species. But twenty years later, the population grew again. The cull started in January and will end on February 15.
