Slovakia plans to cull 350 bears after deadly attack on man

Slovakia has recently faced alarming increases in bear attacks on humans, leading to serious discussions about the management of the brown bear population. Following a tragic incident in which a 59-year-old man was discovered in central Slovakia with fatal injuries believed to have been caused by a bear, the government deemed it necessary to take action. As a result, Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba stated that the population of brown bears in Slovakia is estimated at over 1,000, a figure that has been steadily increasing. This escalation in bear encounters has raised public safety concerns, prompting the Slovak government to approve a controversial culling plan. The culling plan includes the removal of 350 bears and the declaration of a state of emergency in 55 out of 72 counties in Slovakia, which gives the Ministry of Environment the authority to manage the process directly. This decision aligns with rising public fears as Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized the need for safety in forests, suggesting that the government cannot allow citizens to live in fear of wildlife. Many experts and environmental organizations have expressed concerns over this strategy, arguing that the culling violates international environmental commitments and that preventive and more humane measures should be prioritized instead. Amidst pressures from the public and increasing incidents, Minister Taraba indicated a desire to implement a preventive culling quota similar to what has been introduced in Romania. This approach reflects a contentious debate around wildlife management practices, as Slovakia must navigate the complex relationship between human safety and wildlife conservation. The concept of preventive culling is under scrutiny as it conflicts with EU regulations, which strictly limit such actions unless no alternatives exist and it does not threaten the species' conservation status. Consequently, the culling initiative has ignited a significant discourse about wildlife management in Slovakia, the role of the government in safeguarding citizens, and the ethical implications of such actions on bear populations. As the plan unfolds, both public safety and the preservation of brown bears remain at the forefront of national concern, highlighting the challenges that arise in managing human-animal interactions in an evolving natural landscape.