Controversy Erupts Over Bear Hunting Quota in Norrbotten for 2025
Norrbotten County maintains bear hunting quota despite political backlash.
Key Points
- • Norrbotten County keeps bear hunting quota at 24 for 2025 amid criticism.
- • Hunting season begins August 21 and ends October 15 below cultivation boundary.
- • Political leaders assert the quota is too low for effective population management.
- • Current bear population is estimated at 422; management goal is set at 500.
The Norrbotten County Administrative Board has decided to maintain the bear hunting quota at 24 for the 2025 season, inciting a wave of political criticism. This decision keeps the quota unchanged from the previous year and has stirred debate within the local Viltförvaltningsdelegationen (Wildlife Management Delegation), with many members arguing that the allocation is insufficient for effectively regulating the bear population through licensed hunting.
The bear hunting season is set to begin on August 21 and will run until October 15, below the cultivation boundary. The board has allocated the 24 bears across three regions: 6 are designated for Luleå, Boden, Piteå, and Älvsbyn, while 9 bears are allocated for Jokkmokk, Arjeplog, and Arvidsjaur, and the remaining 9 for other municipalities.
Critics of the board's decision highlight the danger of increased bear populations leading to higher costs associated with protective hunting measures, which have already resulted in 33 bears being culled during the spring under protective hunt measures. The current bear population in Norrbotten is estimated at 422, with a target management goal of 500 bears, indicating a growing population that some believe requires more aggressive management strategies to prevent public and economic conflicts.
"Without licensed hunting, the bear population is likely to increase, causing greater costs for protective hunting and possible disturbances for local communities," a representative from the county administration stated. As the debate continues, stakeholders are concerned about balancing wildlife management and local interests.