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EU Nations Clash Over Bear Hunting Rules
23 Jun
Summary
- Several EU countries want to ease bear hunting laws.
- Romania and Slovakia cite increased attacks on humans and livestock.
- A majority of EU nations must agree to change protection status.
Several European Union member states, led by Romania and Slovakia, are advocating for a reduction in the protected status of bears across the continent. This push aims to permit more relaxed hunting regulations, driven by a documented increase in attacks on both humans and livestock.
These nations reported that bears have been responsible for 18 fatalities and over 200 serious injuries in the last five years. Additionally, since 2023, more than 2,000 domestic animals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, have been mauled to death, incurring substantial economic costs. This appeal mirrors a recent successful effort to lower the protection status of wolves.
The proposal, also supported by Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Finland, was discussed by agriculture ministers. A majority of EU nations must back such a resolution to initiate changes to the brown bear's protection status, a prospect environmental organizations actively oppose.
This debate over bear management follows a similar discussion concerning the great cormorant, with nine EU countries suggesting population control due to its impact on fish stocks favored by human fishers.
