Introduction
The Slovak government has approved the shooting of 350 bears this year due to a rise in attacks linked to a growing bear population. Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the decision on Wednesday.
Context
Slovakia's bear population, which inhabits its mountainous regions, is estimated to be between 1,000 and 3,000.
- Recently, a bear killed a 59-year-old man who was walking near Detva, marking the latest incident in a series of attacks on people throughout the years.
"We cannot live in a country where people will be afraid to go to the forest, where people become food for bears," Fico stated during a media briefing broadcast live on Facebook.
Developments
The Environment Ministry plans to continue its policy on bear quotas, which saw the number of permitted bear killings double to 481 last year. In 2022, 144 bears were shot, an increase from previous years when the numbers were in the single digits.
- The government recorded 13 attacks on people last year.
Conclusion
The decision to allow the shooting of 350 bears reflects growing concerns over public safety as bear populations continue to rise in Slovakia.