Lynx to be shot after several sheep attacks in Västervik municipality

9/19/2023, 1:44:35 PM

Highlights: Three attacks on sheep and lambs in Kalmar County, Sweden, since June. All attacks have taken place inside sheep networks. The County Board has decided that there is no other solution than to kill the animals. The decision does not affect the conservation status of the lynx population in the county, the board says. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.

On three occasions since June, sheep and lambs have been killed by lynx. Now the County Administrative Board of Kalmar has decided on culling.

According to the County Administrative Board, all attacks have taken place inside electricity networks or sheep networks. Pet owners have also tried to protect their animals with scare devices, but this has not worked.

Therefore, it is now assessed that the guidelines for protective hunting of lynx have been met and that there is no other suitable solution.

"Based on the fact that the attacks have taken place within a defined area for a limited period of time, we believe that it is probably the same individual and that culling is the only alternative," says Head of Unit Fredrik Ustrup.

According to the County Administrative Board, allowing protective hunting of a harmful lynx does not affect the conservation status of the lynx population in Kalmar County or Sweden.