Three lynx cubs shot in Nattberg - killed reindeer and caused traffic accidents

A female lynx with three cubs in the area around Nattberg in Älvsbyn municipality has recently created problems, something Piteå newspaper was the first to tell about.

The Sami village Semisjaur-Njarg has had reindeer in the area and the lynx have killed several reindeer and also hunted them out on highway 94, which according to the police has led to 14 accidents with reindeer in traffic.

The Sami village applied for protection hunting of the lynx.

The County Administrative Board granted protection hunting for the three cubs, but not the female.

- The female taught the cubs to hunt and they were clumsy in the hunt and hunted more than necessary, says Anders Erling Fjällås, chairman of Semisjaur-Njarg.

According to the county administrative board, protection hunting was the only solution to prevent serious injury.

- The sows need grazing peace to build up the condition and be able to raise calves in the spring.

The protection hunt has now ended and according to the county administrative board, the latest inventory results show an increase in the lynx population in Norrbotten, and that the protection hunt for the three young will not affect the lynx population.

They also believe that the protection hunt against the young means that the more valuable adult female is saved.