BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – The Slovak government has approved a plan to cull 350 brown bears, approximately a quarter of the country's estimated population, following a recent fatal bear attack on a 59-year-old man in central Slovakia. This decision comes as part of a broader response to increasing human-bear conflicts, with Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasizing that citizens should not fear entering forests due to bear threats.
The Environment Ministry has reported a significant rise in bear attacks, with 1,900 incidents documented last year. In response, a state of emergency has been declared in 55 out of Slovakia's 72 counties, allowing for the culling of bears that venture too close to populated areas.
Conservationists have criticized the move, arguing that it violates international commitments and fails to address root causes such as improper waste management and feeding stations that attract bears. They advocate for preventive measures like education and non-lethal deterrents instead of culling.
Slovakia's bear population is estimated to be around 1,300, with the government suggesting that 800 would be a sufficient number. The culling plan follows a precedent set by Romania, which increased its bear culling quota last year.
The situation highlights a growing tension between human safety and wildlife conservation in Slovakia, with the government facing pressure to balance these competing interests.