Slovakia has culled 27 problem brown bears this year under special exemptions, the Environment Ministry confirmed. A total of 79 bears have been removed so far, including natural deaths, with decisions issued for up to 159 individuals. The government declared a state of emergency in April due to bear encounters and approved the removal of up to 350 bears. Authorities say all actions are based on data and follow legal procedures. However, 27 experts from nine European countries warn the large-scale cull could endanger the viability of Slovakia’s bear population.
Source: TASR, Aktuality.sk
Veronika Ščepánová, Photo: TASR
