Moose Welfare in Scandinavia: Hunting and Habitat

The moose is Scandinavia's largest land animal and a cornerstone of forest ecology, with welfare affected by intensive hunting management, habitat change, climate stress, and vehicle collisions.

Key Facts

Sweden has approximately 300,000-400,000 moose during summer, harvested at around 80,000-100,000 annually
Moose are the most common large animal involved in vehicle collisions in Scandinavia, causing thousands of accidents yearly
Tick infestations have dramatically increased in Swedish moose populations as winters become milder due to climate change
Moose can run at 56 km/h and swim strongly, reflecting high physical capacity that requires appropriate habitat for expression
Winter brain worm infections transmitted by white-tailed deer are affecting moose in North America as deer ranges expand northward

Welfare Considerations

Moose welfare in Scandinavia is primarily shaped by the hunting system, which is designed to maintain population sizes within forestry tolerance rather than for individual welfare. Wounding rates during hunting seasons cause significant unremediated suffering. Climate-driven tick infestations cause chronic skin irritation, anaemia, and immune suppression in affected individuals. Vehicle collisions result in acute trauma with high mortality rates. Habitat fragmentation by roads and railways restricts movement and increases collision risk.

What You Can Do

Support research into wildlife crossing infrastructure that reduces moose-vehicle collisions
Advocate for humane hunting regulations that minimise wounding rates through calibre requirements and tracking obligations
Back habitat connectivity projects in Scandinavia that allow seasonal migration without road crossing risks
Donate to wildlife veterinary programmes that treat injured moose in rehabilitation facilities