In the wake of a second bear attack in Slovakia within three days, authorities are grappling with urgent policy decisions as concerns over human safety mount.
On Sunday in Liptovský Mikuláš, near the Tatra mountains, five individuals suffered injuries from a bear encounter, adding to the alarm sparked by a recent fatality in the region. A 49-year-old woman sustained a shoulder injury, while a 72-year-old man received treatment for a head wound. Additionally, a 10-year-old girl and two adults suffered scratches and bruises, and a couple narrowly escaped unharmed while pushing their child in a buggy.
Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in Liptovský Mikuláš, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid leaving residential areas. The bear responsible for the attacks remains at large, prompting the deployment of six armed patrols to hunt it down. Officials have intensified efforts to locate and eliminate the bear, emphasizing the need for vigilance, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
In a harrowing video captured by a bystander, the bear is seen charging along a road, causing pedestrians to scatter in fear. The footage depicts the bear lunging at a man attempting to climb a fence to escape, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
These incidents come on the heels of a tragic event where a 31-year-old woman, identified as Tatiana, lost her life while evading a charging bear in the Low Tatra mountain range. The woman and her male companion encountered the bear during a hike in the Demänovská Valley, leading to a fatal fall into a ravine. Initial investigations suggest the woman’s death resulted from the fall rather than an attack by the bear.
Slovakian authorities are facing mounting pressure to reassess the protected status of bears in the country, with calls for changes to hunting regulations gaining momentum. Currently, brown bears are classified as a protected species in Slovakia, but some politicians argue that the population has grown too large, leading to increased encounters with humans. The environment minister has proposed a draft law that would permit bears to be hunted outside urban areas under specific conditions.
The debate surrounding bear management extends beyond Slovakia, with implications for European Union policy. Improved environmental protections since the late 1980s have facilitated the return of bears to their natural habitats across the Carpathian mountains. However, the resurgence of bear populations has led to heightened human-bear interactions, prompting calls for policy adjustments to mitigate conflicts and ensure public safety.
Efforts to address the issue include proposals to relax hunting restrictions and reclassify bears’ protected status. While some advocate for targeted hunting as a means of population control, others emphasize the importance of educational initiatives and waste management strategies to minimize human-bear conflicts.
As policymakers navigate these complex challenges, the safety of residents remains paramount. The recent bear attacks underscore the urgency of finding effective solutions to manage human-wildlife interactions and preserve both biodiversity and public safety.
Hunters have been called to patrol the at-risk area, with police patrols strengthened to ensure public safety. Moreover, brown bear emergency teams from all over the country have been ordered to the affected city and its surroundings.
These measures reflect the gravity of the situation and the determination of authorities to address it promptly. However, they also highlight the need for comprehensive policies that balance the conservation of wildlife with the protection of human lives.