8/4/2019 Let them live -Swedens Wild Predators
2/4
Rare meetingsThere is enough room in Sweden or both people
and
predators. We can live together. Meetings with wild
predators are rare. For many people, such a meeting is
a dream. Others are intimidated by the thought
quiteunnecessarily. The ear o predators is more oten based
on myths and airy tales than actual events. Animals have
an instinctive shyness and respect or human beings. We
can show our respect by giving them the right to live in
their natural environment in our country.
A threatened and cornered animal can be dangerous, but their
natural instinctis to ee. The risk that anyone might be attacked by
a predator in Sweden is vir-
tually non-existent. Almost all the incidents on record involve
hunters who were
attacked by bears. A ew hunting dogs have been injured or killed
by predators
in recent years. Far more dogs and people are killed and injured
in trafc or by
stray bullets in hunting.
Are they a danger to people?
Lynx seeking new territory are occasionally
seen in densely populated areas. Oten only
their pawmarks reveal that they have been
close. Wolves and bears can be drawn to
populated areas i there is ood to be had.
The smell o waste and slaughter can attract
predators to arms and hunting areas. To
hunt and kill requires a lot o energy. I
predators can fnd ood in easier ways, theytake the chance.
Why do they sometimes
come close?
Predators are part o Swedish nature. Abundant and exciting
animal lie is
important or growing ecotourism. The conicts that exist between
the various
interest groups can be resolved through better understanding and
practical
measures. Just how many predators are needed or the species to
survive in
the long term is a matter o debate. SSNCs position are based on
the availableresearch and biological expertise.
Living together
Stockholm
2011.
Originaltitle:Ltdem
leva!.
Foto:sid2StaffanWidstrand,
sid3MagnusElander,StaffanWidst
rand.
8/4/2019 Let them live -Swedens Wild Predators
3/4
Lynx
The lynx is Europes largest eline. It is 60-70 cm high and
weighs15-20 kg. They thrive best in rugged, mountainous areas and
caneasily climb in trees. Lynx are nocturnal and they have very
goodhearing. Their diet consists mainly o rabbit, mice and birds,
but alsobigger animals like ox and deer. Lynx can be up to 17 years
old.
Bear
(Ursus actos). The bear is our largest predator, It is 90-125 cm
highand weighs 100-230 kg. The emale is slightly smaller. Bears
livemainly in orested and mountainous areas. They spend the
winterin hibernation. Bears are nocturnal, but can also be active
in theday. They easily climb trees and are good swimmers. They are
omni-
vorous plants, berries, fsh, ants and mice are part o their
diet.
Wolverine
(Gulo gulo) The wolverine is the largest o the mustelids. It is
40-45cm high and normally weighs 10-18 kg. Wolverines eel at homein
deserted and mountainous areas and are almost only seen inthe North
o Sweden, but even here are they rare. The wolverineis nocturnal.
It is a poor hunter, and in the winters its diet mainly
consists o cadavers and the remains o animals elled by
lynx.Rabbits, oxes and birds are also included in the diet. The
wolverineis an excellent swimmer and climbs trees well. Wolverines
live insnow caves or abandoned bear caves. Wolverines can be about
15years old.
Wolf
Our biggest wild canid. Weight 30-50 kg. Skilled hunters,
wolvesusually live in groups. The group consist o parents (alpha
animals),
puppies rom the currrent year and puppies rom the previous
year.The older young help the parents to take care o their
siblings.During their second year o lie young wolves can leave the
groupin search o their own territory. In the process they may
walkvery long distances, up to 1000 kilometers. To keep the number
owolves in Sweden below 210 individuals, the Government has
deci-ded to allow a license hunt or 20 wolves. That decision was
takeneven though we do not know or certain how much the small
andgenetically impoverished wol population needs to be
strengthenedto achieve long-term viability. For this reason the
environmentalmovement and an animal welare organization fled a
complaintabout the hunting o wolves with the EU Commission.
8/4/2019 Let them live -Swedens Wild Predators
4/4
The Swedish Society or Nature Conservation (SSNC) is an
environmental organization with power to bring about change.
We spread knowledge, map environmental threats, create
solutions, and infuence politicians and public authorities,
atboth national and international levels. Climate, the oceans,
orests, environmental toxins, and agriculture are our main
areas o involvement.
Naturskyddsreningen. Box 4625, 11691 Stockholm.
Phone + 46 8 702 65 00. [email protected]
www.naturskyddsoreningen.se
