Slovak Government Approves Culling of 350 Bears Amid Safety Concerns
The decision faces criticism for potentially violating EU directives and sparking environmental concerns.
On April 2, 2025, the Slovak government officially sanctioned the culling of 350 bears, citing increasing risks to human safety.
This move comes in light of recent incidents, including the discovery of a man's remains in central Slovakia, suspected to be the result of a bear attack.
Prime Minister Robert Fico stated, "We cannot live in a country where people are afraid to enter the woods," emphasizing the government's commitment to public safety.
Environmental Minister Tomas Taraba reported that the bear population in Slovakia exceeds 1,300, asserting that 800 bears would constitute a "sufficient" number as the population continues to grow.
The government has declared a state of emergency in several districts due to the presence of bears described as "undesirable."
In May 2024, the Slovak Parliament had already eased restrictions on bear culling by providing exemptions to a previous ban in select districts.
However, Slovakia is obligated to comply with European Union regulations, which stipulate that bear culling is only permissible under specific circumstances—primarily when bears cause property damage or pose a direct threat to humans and only when no alternative solutions are available.
In 2024, a total of 93 bears were culled across the nation, while 36 bears died in vehicular accidents, according to local reports.
Despite these figures, researchers from the Jan Kuciak Research Centre have argued that hunters did not likely kill any bears that had previously attacked humans, based on an analysis of 50 cases from 2024.
Environmental advocacy groups have condemned the government's decision, asserting it conflicts with international legal obligations.
They argue that the Ministry of Environment has willfully disregarded laws meant to protect the bear population.
Activists call for enhanced educational initiatives on safe engagement with nature, suggesting an emphasis on prevention measures rather than culling.
The Aevis Foundation has advocated for alternatives such as managing waste, regulating game baiting, and public education on safe outdoor practices.
In a related context, Romania, which hosts an estimated 8,000 bears—the largest population in Europe outside of Russia—authorized the culling of nearly 500 bears last year, facing similar criticism from animal rights advocates and EU officials.
This move comes in light of recent incidents, including the discovery of a man's remains in central Slovakia, suspected to be the result of a bear attack.
Prime Minister Robert Fico stated, "We cannot live in a country where people are afraid to enter the woods," emphasizing the government's commitment to public safety.
Environmental Minister Tomas Taraba reported that the bear population in Slovakia exceeds 1,300, asserting that 800 bears would constitute a "sufficient" number as the population continues to grow.
The government has declared a state of emergency in several districts due to the presence of bears described as "undesirable."
In May 2024, the Slovak Parliament had already eased restrictions on bear culling by providing exemptions to a previous ban in select districts.
However, Slovakia is obligated to comply with European Union regulations, which stipulate that bear culling is only permissible under specific circumstances—primarily when bears cause property damage or pose a direct threat to humans and only when no alternative solutions are available.
In 2024, a total of 93 bears were culled across the nation, while 36 bears died in vehicular accidents, according to local reports.
Despite these figures, researchers from the Jan Kuciak Research Centre have argued that hunters did not likely kill any bears that had previously attacked humans, based on an analysis of 50 cases from 2024.
Environmental advocacy groups have condemned the government's decision, asserting it conflicts with international legal obligations.
They argue that the Ministry of Environment has willfully disregarded laws meant to protect the bear population.
Activists call for enhanced educational initiatives on safe engagement with nature, suggesting an emphasis on prevention measures rather than culling.
The Aevis Foundation has advocated for alternatives such as managing waste, regulating game baiting, and public education on safe outdoor practices.
In a related context, Romania, which hosts an estimated 8,000 bears—the largest population in Europe outside of Russia—authorized the culling of nearly 500 bears last year, facing similar criticism from animal rights advocates and EU officials.
