- Government approves 350-bear cull after 2023 saw 1,900+ human-bear conflicts
- State of emergency declared in 76% of counties to expedite process
- Conservation groups argue cull violates EU habitat protection laws
Slovak authorities triggered nationwide controversy Wednesday by approving the largest brown bear cull in modern European history. The decision follows a tragic incident where a 59-year-old hiker became the 14th fatality in two decades of bear encounters. Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba revealed that human-bear conflicts have tripled since 2015, with over 1,900 documented incidents last year alone.
Prime Minister Robert Fico defended the drastic measures during a press conference: When citizens fear walking in our forests, we’ve failed as stewards of public safety.The emergency decree enables wildlife officials to immediately begin reducing Slovakia’s estimated 1,200-strong bear population through regulated hunts. This represents a 143% increase from the 144 culling permits issued earlier this year.
Conservation experts point to a 2023 University of Bratislava study showing Slovakia’s bear population grew 18% annually since 2010 due to hunting restrictions and abundant food sources. However, urban expansion has shrunk natural habitats by 22%, forcing bears into human-populated areas. We’re seeing bears raid garbage bins just 15km from Bratislava’s city center,noted wildlife biologist Zuzana Kováčová.
The government’s decision mirrors Romania’s 2022 cull of 500 bears, which reduced attacks by 41% but drew €2.8 million in EU fines. Slovak environmental groups propose alternative solutions:
- Deploying 300+ bear-proof waste containers in high-risk areas
- Expanding ranger patrols during berry season
- Implementing AI-powered early warning systems tested in Canada
Tourism operators warn the cull could damage Slovakia’s €140M wildlife tourism industry. Bear-watching tours account for 30% of our mountain lodge bookings,said High Tatras resort manager Peter Novák. Meanwhile, farmers report a 67% increase in livestock predation since 2020, with compensation claims exceeding €890,000 last fiscal year.
International observers question whether the cull complies with Bern Convention protections. The European Wilderness Society suggests Slovakia adopt Finland’s model of targeted relocation combined with public education campaigns, which reduced fatal encounters by 58% from 2010-2020.