BRATISLAVA (Slowakei) – After a number of bear attacks on humans, the Slovak government wants to take drastic measures.
Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that the shooting of up to 350 bears was approved. “We cannot live in a country where people are afraid of going into the forest,” Fico explained to journalists.
Fatal bear attack in Slovakia
The most recent incident occurred on Sunday evening when a man (59) did not return home after a forest walk at the Central Slovak community of Detva. A large -scale search with Rescue forces And volunteers finally led to the discovery of the lifeless body.
The hiker was most likely from a bear killed The Slovak authorities said. The site was in thick undergrowth, just about a kilometer from an inhabited settlement.
So far, hunting for bears only on problem animals
Die Slovakia It has been trying to make hunt for bears easier for years. There are estimates in the country around 1200 brown bears. They prefer to live in the mountains or in dense forests. However, the European Union only allows the targeted shooting of so -called “problem -bears”, which have directly attacked people or property. In addition, a killing may only take place if no other protective measures can be used.
According to official information, 93 bears were shot in 2024. However, research by the “Jan Kuciak” investigative center suggests that under the killed Tales Not a single one that had previously attacked a person.
Animal rights activists protest
The Slovak government’s decision is met with violent criticism of nature conservation organizations. The environmental organization Aevis Foundation accused the government of violating international agreements and national laws.
“The answer to bear attacks must be better clarification of the population about security in nature, not the indiscriminately shooting of wild animals,” said Aevis in a statement.
Despite the controversy, the government sticks to its plan. However, it remains controversial whether the mass shooting of bears actually leads to increased security.