Slovakia Declares Bear Emergency Amid Increasing Attacks

Slovakia has declared a state of emergency regarding its bear population following the tragic death of a hiker, who was reportedly attacked by a bear in a residential area near a forest. The 59-year-old man was found with severe injuries, and authorities confirmed that he died from wounds inflicted by a wild animal.

In response to this incident, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the decision to cull approximately 350 bears, representing about one-third of the country's estimated population of 1,200. Fico emphasized that it is unacceptable for citizens to feel threatened while enjoying the outdoors, stating that the rise in bear encounters is alarming, especially during a time when bears should typically be less active.

The new emergency measures will allow for the culling of bears in several districts across Slovakia, creating a legal framework for this action. The Prime Minister noted the increasing frequency of bear attacks and expressed concern about public safety, asserting that people should not fear entering the woods.

Environmental advocates have reacted strongly against the planned culling, arguing that the government's decision is disproportionate and driven by emotion rather than scientific evidence. Critics point out that there are various non-lethal methods to manage bear interactions, such as employing specially trained dogs or utilizing chemical deterrents. They argue that the real issue is not the bears' behavior but rather the growing proximity of bears to human habitats, often exacerbated by improper waste disposal and the availability of food sources.

The incident that prompted this emergency declaration occurred near Banská Bystrica, where the deceased hiker was reportedly exploring a forested area. The police confirmed that the injuries sustained were consistent with a bear attack, raising significant concerns about wildlife safety and human interactions.

In addition to the bear culling, this situation has sparked a broader debate about wildlife management in Slovakia. Earlier this year, the government faced criticism over its policies regarding wolf populations, which also saw proposals for mass culling. Environmental organizations warn that such drastic measures could lead to long-term ecological damage, not only for the targeted species but also for the interconnected wildlife populations in the region.

Some political figures have expressed skepticism about the government's approach, suggesting that the focus on culling bears is an attempt to distract from other pressing issues, including an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease affecting livestock in parts of Slovakia and neighboring countries.

The government's actions have raised questions about the balance between human safety and wildlife conservation, with many advocating for more sustainable solutions that address the root causes of human-bear conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these emergency measures will impact both the bear population and public sentiment towards wildlife management in Slovakia.