The County Administrative Board of Stockholm has made a controversial decision to permit the hunting of 153 lynxes across Sweden, a significant increase from the 87 licenses issued the previous year. According to Mikael Fransson from the Board, the current minimum population of lynxes in Sweden is 870, with a national estimate of around 1,300, indicating that the hunting limit is set well above the sustainable population level. This decision comes in response to a rise in lynx attacks on domesticated animals, which saw 15 incidents last year and six so far this year in Stockholm County.

The hunting license specifically applies to the municipality of Norrtälje, which has experienced the most significant problems with lynx-related livestock attacks. The decision allows for the hunting of four lynxes, with a restriction of a maximum of two females. This follows a previous plan to start the hunts on March 1, which faced legal challenges but has now been upheld by the Administrative Court, allowing hunts to proceed in nine additional counties, except for Dalarna, which is still under review.

Opponents of the hunting decision argue that it may contravene Swedish wildlife protection laws and question the long-term implications for lynx populations. As the debates continue, this decision highlights the tension between wildlife management and agriculture, raising questions about how best to balance ecological preservation with the interests of farmers suffering from predation.