Bears Roam Pyrenees Amid Farmer Backlash

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France are now home to an estimated 70 reintroduced brown bears, a species that had been hunted to extinction in the region by the early 2000s. Conservation efforts, supported by the European Union, have facilitated this return, including a notable helicopter delivery of a bear to the mountainside. However, local opposition is significant, with farmers barricading roads and expressing strong disapproval.

Farmers and shepherds voice concerns that the bears are killing their livestock. Yves, a 63-year-old shepherd, is among those against the reintroduction, highlighting the precariousness of his traditional way of life. While statistics suggest brown bears are primarily vegetarian, shepherds report instances of sheep being found half-eaten. Filmmaker Max Keegan documented these local tensions over three years, presenting a nuanced view of the conflict.

The documentary captures moments of awe, such as a farmer witnessing a mother bear with her cubs, alongside the vocal opposition from those whose livelihoods are directly impacted. The film ultimately refrains from imposing easy answers, instead immersing viewers in the complex challenge of reconciling human activities with the re-establishment of wildlife in the region.