Why are farmers protesting the reintroduction of brown bears in the Pyrenees?

Farmers are protesting the return of brown bears because they claim the animals are killing their livestock.

How many brown bears are estimated to be in the Pyrenees after reintroduction?

There are approximately 70 brown bears in the Pyrenees following reintroduction efforts.

What is the main theme of the documentary about the Pyrenean bears?

The documentary explores the conflict between the reintroduced brown bears and local farmers, resisting snap judgments on coexistence.

Home / Environment / Bears Roam Pyrenees Amid Farmer Backlash

Bears Roam Pyrenees Amid Farmer Backlash

3 Feb

•

Summary

Brown bears, hunted to extinction, are reintroduced to the Pyrenees.
Local farmers protest, citing livestock losses from approximately 70 bears.
A film explores the conflict, resisting easy judgments on coexistence.

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.