Aging Hunter Penalized for Killing Endangered Bear in France

In a landmark case, an elderly hunter in France was sentenced for killing a brown bear, highlighting the ongoing struggle between hunting practices and wildlife conservation. The incident, which occurred during a boar hunt in the Pyrenees, has raised awareness about endangered species protection.

An 81-year-old hunter in France has received a four-month suspended prison sentence and a fine for the unlawful killing of a protected brown bear, termed Caramelles, in the Pyrenees mountains. While the man claimed self-defense during the bear's aggressive encounter—during which he was attacked while hunting boar in 2021—the legal consequences reflect broader debates surrounding hunting regulations and wildlife preservation.

The wildlife conservation case came to light when the hunter explained in court that he shot the bear after it lunged at him, grabbing his thigh and causing severe injuries. He reported firing his rifle only after being bitten and dragged. The incident happened near Seix, Ariège, in a nature reserve where hunting is prohibited—an oversight that led to the prosecution of not only the shooter but also 15 other hunters collectively fined over €60,000 in damages.

The courtroom proceedings revealed that the bears—once numbered fewer than 70 in the mid-20th century—have been subject to conservation efforts, with their populations gradually increasing to around 96 bears as of 2024, following reintroductions in the 1990s.

The Pays de l'ours conservation group expressed its approval of the ruling. Their president termed the outcome satisfactory, emphasizing the importance of accountability among hunters, and hoping it would foster greater awareness about the preservation of threatened species.

As the discussion moves forward, the case highlights the delicate balance between hunting traditions and the urgent need for wildlife conservation—an ongoing challenge in regions where endangered species still roam.