The County Administrative Board of Jämtlands County has approved an increased lynx hunting quota for the 2026 season, allowing up to 26 animals to be culled during the licensed hunt running from March 1 to April 15. This represents a significant increase from last year's quota of eight animals, of which only six were actually harvested due to poor snow conditions and hunting method limitations.
According to preliminary inventory results cited by the county board, the lynx population in Jämtlands County is estimated to be between 175 and 180 animals, which officials describe as stable. Jenny Landin, a nature conservation officer with the County Administrative Board, stated that the population level supports the increased hunting allocation.
the population level supports the increased hunting allocation
The decision has drawn opposition from conservation groups. The Swedish Predator Association appealed the lynx hunt on February 23, with the appeal now set to be handled by the Administrative Court in Luleå. This follows similar appeals against lynx hunting quotas in other Swedish counties.
Nationally, Sweden has authorized a total of 153 lynx to be harvested during this year's licensed hunt, with Jämtlands County receiving the largest individual allocation among all counties.