The Slovakian government has approved the killing of 350 bears following a fatal bear attack on a 59-year-old man.
His body was discovered in central Slovakia on Sunday, and authorities believe he was mauled to death.
Slovakia’s Environment Minister, Tomáš Taraba, said bear attacks on humans have been increasing, with 1,900 cases recorded last year. The country has an estimated brown bear population of over 1,000.
“We can’t live in a country where people are afraid of going to forests,” Prime Minister Robert Fico stated.
To allow the cull, the government has declared a state of emergency in 55 out of 72 counties. This decision gives the environment ministry direct power to approve the killings.
However, environmental organisations have criticised the move, saying it goes against Slovakia’s international commitments. They argue that the government should focus on preventive measures instead of hunting the bears.
Last year, Slovakia approved the killing of 144 bears, and a similar measure was taken in Romania.
