For the first time, county administrative boards in southern and central Sweden have been granted the authority to independently decide on licensed wolf hunts. Previously, these decisions were made at the national level by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. This three-year decision-making power allows local authorities to better respond to regional circumstances and manage wolf populations based on local conditions. The move aims to streamline the hunting permit process and address concerns regarding wolf populations and their impact on livestock. Environmental organizations have expressed concerns about potential overhunting, while hunting associations have welcomed the increased regional control. The Swedish government states the change is intended to improve the efficiency and legitimacy of wolf management. This new authority will be reviewed after the three-year period.