Large predators
Bears, wolves, lynxes, wolverines and golden eagles are all considered to be large predators. Ensuring the viable populations of these four large predatory mammals and of the golden eagle is a key objective. At the same time, however, the maintenance of an active agricultural sector, including the use of uncultivated land for grazing by sheep and reindeer, is also an objective. In order to meet this two-fold objective, the populations of large predators must be managed at the same time as adapting agriculture somewhat in the key areas in which large predators can be found.
Some of the County Governor’s responsibilities in the management of large predator populations include:
- allocating funds to preventive measures against damage caused by large predators, and processing applications for compensation where cattle have been attacked by protected large predators
- processing applications for the trapping of wolverines and lynxes
- giving permission for the culling of lynxes, wolverines, wolves and bears, within the quotas determined by the Predator Committee
- managing golden eagle populations, including applications for culling serving as secretary for the regional Predator Committee, which ensures that large predator populations are managed so that they are as close in size to the objectives as possible.