Finland Lynx Population & Hunting Law Changes
- Finland's lynx population is on the rise, leading to more frequent sightings of the elusive animal.
- Katja Holmala, a senior research fellow at the Natural Resources Center, estimates that Finland may have more than 2,500 lynx.
- The primary reason for the increase in the lynx population is reduced hunting.
Finland’s Eurasian lynx population is booming, leading to more frequent sightings and sparking changes in hunting laws. Nature photographer Ossi Saarinen has observed these elusive creatures 45 times in recent years, a testament to the population’s growth, spurred by reduced hunting and ample food sources. Learn how the recent Hunting Act amendments streamline permit granting, potentially impacting the management of the lynx and other large carnivores. The ministry aims to improve conditions while conservation groups voice concerns. Hunting permits don’t require administrative court involvement, reflecting shifts in wildlife management. Discover how News Directory 3 is covering the unfolding changes and the potential legal challenges that could impact the lynx population. Discover what’s next for these majestic felines.
Lynx Population Booming in Finland, Increasing Sightings
Updated June 08, 2025
Finland’s lynx population is on the rise, leading to more frequent sightings of the elusive animal. Nature photographer Ossi Saarinen, who specializes in wildlife photography, has observed lynx 45 times in recent years. Saarinen said the best times to spot a lynx are in the morning and at dusk.
Katja Holmala, a senior research fellow at the Natural Resources Center, estimates that Finland may have more than 2,500 lynx. Olli Kursula, a game manager, supports this view, noting steady observations of lynx across the reindeer herding area, except for Suomenselkä.
Photo: benjamin Suomela / Yle
The primary reason for the increase in the lynx population is reduced hunting. Nature conservation organizations have successfully appealed against exemptions granted by the game center, preventing hunting. Additionally, ample food sources contribute to the lynx’s success.
Parliament recently amended the Hunting Act to streamline the Game Center’s ability to grant permits for managing large carnivores. Sami Niemi from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said the aim is to improve conditions for granting these permits. The ministry will define hunting objectives, potentially increasing human sensitivity in cases like bear management.
Updated management plans for bear and lynx are also underway. However, Niemi anticipates legal challenges to the renewed law, potentially delaying hunting if permits are contested.
What’s next
Lynx hunting could begin in the fall of 2026, pending legal challenges. The updated management plans and the implementation of the amended Hunting Act will determine the future of lynx management in Finland.