Five bears have been shot in Norway so far this year, and two cubs died, probably because their mother was shot. That's set off alarms at WWF, the global conservation organization.
Arnodd Håpnes, a biologist and consultant to WWF, claims that Norwegian authorities have been much too lenient about granting hunting permission to ranchers who claim bears are threatening their livestock. Many ranchers in Norway have actively sought permission to hunt wolves as well.
"All of the hunting permits have been granted because of injuries to, and loss of, sheep," Håpnes told newspaper Aftenposten. He notes, however, that the season for Norway's traditional open grazing is long over, and the sheep have since been rounded up.
Authorities have nonetheless granted permission to hunt 14 bears in the past year. Five have been shot since January, either on the basis of permits or on claims of self-defense.
The Norwegian Parliament has set a preferred target of 150 bears in the country. The current population is estimated at between 50-70 bears.
