The Slovak cabinet has approved a controversial plan to shoot approximately 350 brown bears, following the death of a man in a bear attack. While the government cites the need to protect citizens, critics argue that such measures violate conservation agreements and fail to address the underlying issues.
Slovakia Approves Bear Cull Following Fatal Attack
Slovakia Approves Bear Cull Following Fatal Attack
In response to rising bear attacks, the Slovak government has sanctioned the culling of 350 bears, provoking strong backlash from conservationists.
The Slovak cabinet has made a decisive move to approve a culling plan targeting around 350 brown bears, following a tragic incident in which a man was mauled to death while hiking in a forest in Central Slovakia. Prime Minister Robert Fico's populist-nationalist administration announced the initiative during a recent cabinet meeting, attributing the need for such drastic measures to a series of bear attacks that have left citizens feeling unsafe in wooded areas.
The extension of a state of emergency allowing for the hunting of bears now encompasses 55 out of Slovakia's 79 districts, effectively covering a significant portion of the nation. Officials have previously relaxed legal protections to permit the killing of bears that venture too close to populated regions, resulting in the shooting of 93 bears by the end of 2024.
This decision has drawn sharp criticism from conservationists who argue that it breaches international conservation obligations and could be deemed illegal. Michal Wiezek, an ecologist and a member of the European Parliament representing the opposition party Progressive Slovakia, sharply criticized the government’s actions. "It's absurd," he said, pointing out that the Environment Ministry has not effectively managed bear encounters. Wiezek hopes for intervention from the European Commission, arguing that the proposed culling is a misguided attempt to conceal governmental failure.
Authorities have confirmed the death of a 59-year-old man in a forest near Detva, revealing that he suffered fatal injuries consistent with a bear attack. His disappearance prompted a search by mountain rescue teams, which ultimately led to the grim discovery of his body near a bear's den.
The rise of bear-related incidents has sparked a political debate in Slovakia, particularly following previous attacks, including the death of a Belarusian woman chased by a bear in March 2024. In a notable incident weeks later, a bear was filmed sprinting through the town of Liptovsky Mikolas, alarming local residents.
Environment Minister Tomas Taraba noted that the bear population is estimated at over 1,300, suggesting that a figure of 800 bears would be sustainable due to their growing numbers. However, experts contend that the population has remained stable at around 1,270.
As discussions on managing wildlife continue, the balance between protecting public safety and preserving natural habitats remains a critical and contentious issue in Slovakia.
