More than 40 bears in Slovakia shot

Rare Animals - More than 40 bears in Slovakia shot

The Slovakia is known for its large population of Brown Bears. However, conflicts with humans keep occurring. Since the beginning of the year until mid-July, 41 so-called "problem bears" have been shot, the state nature protection authority of the country revealed upon request. "In every single case, it was about individuals that had lost their fear of humans or posed a threat to the lives, health, and property of citizens," a spokesperson in Banska Bystrica stated. Prior to the release for shooting, a thorough examination takes place.

For a few days now, there is a new uniform hotline number in Slovakia to report dangerous encounters with the Brown Bears. Reachable under the number 18081, a round-the-clock control center is available. This can dispatch intervention teams, among other things. A focus of the nature protection authorities' work is on education and prevention. For example, they ensure that trash containers are closed to prevent bears from being attracted to houses.

In Slovakia, with approximately 5.4 million inhabitants, there are estimated to be around 1,300 Brown Bears. They prefer to live in mountains or dense forests. In the spring, more than a dozen people were injured, some seriously, including hikers, mushroom pickers, and forest workers. In March, a tourist fell running away from a bear and died.

In an unexpected encounter with a Brown Bear, experts advise standing calmly and slowly backing away. Under no circumstances should one wave their arms, throw stones, shout loudly, or take a selfie.

Press release on the new Brown Bear emergency number, in Slovak.

1. The conflict between Brown Bears and humans in Slovakia is a significant issue, particularly in areas like Banska Bystrica.
2. To address this, the Slovakian environment authorities have introduced a new hotline for reporting dangerous encounters with Brown Bears, available at 18081.
3. The authorities in Slovakia are also focusing on education and prevention measures, such as ensuring trash containers are closed to avoid attracting Brown Bears to residential areas.
4. Despite living primarily in mountains and dense forests, Brown Bears in Slovakia have posed threats to humans, with incidents leading to injuries and even fatalities, such as the case of a tourist who died in March while running away from a bear.

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