Iceland's Nature Institute questions fox hunting necessity

Iceland's Institute of Natural History is questioning the justification for current levels of Arctic fox hunting, stating there is insufficient evidence to prove significant damage to farmers. The institute argues that the premise for extensive fox hunting may be flawed, as they have received minimal reports of damage from sheep farmers and seabird colonies in recent years. A new plan for fox hunting for the years 2026-2028 suggests an urgent review of the legal framework governing these activities. According to the plan, the institute received no reports of damage from sheep farmers between 2023 and 2025, and only a few concerning damage to seabird colonies. Despite Arctic foxes historically being classified as pests causing considerable harm to farmers, the institute asserts that current data does not support continuing hunting at the present scale. Farmers, however, disagree, citing difficulties in documenting such damage.

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there is simply not enough strong evidence available to suggest that fox hunting should continue at the same extensive level as it is now.