Swedish wolf hunt called off over EU threat

Sweden is to stop this year's licensed hunt for wolves due to the threat of legal action from the European Union. Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said the government decided to call off the hunt to avoid arduous legal proceedings in Brussels.

Mr Carlgren said yesterday it will instead expand the possibilities for a protective hunt of wolves that cause damage, which is legal.

Last year Sweden allowed wolf hunting for the first time in 45 years, but EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said that violates an EU directive.