- Slovakia is set to cull hundreds of brown bears after a man was killed in a bear attack, sparking concerns over public safety. The government estimates there are around 1,300 brown bears in the country, but some researchers dispute this figure.
- The culling plan has been met with opposition from environmental groups, who argue it may contravene EU directives and advocate for alternative solutions.
- The debate has raised questions about balancing wildlife conservation, public safety, and political pressure across Europe.
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Slovakia has approved a plan to cull up to 350 brown bears — nearly a quarter of its estimated population — following the confirmed death of a man in a bear attack. Authorities found the 59-year-old’s body near the central town of Detva after he failed to return from a walk in the forest. Officials reported injuries consistent with a bear attack and discovered signs of a nearby den.
Prime Minister Robert Fico called the situation unacceptable, saying people should not be afraid to walk in the woods. Environment Minister Tomas Taraba said the government plans to reduce the bear population to what he described as a sustainable level of 800 animals.
How many bears live in Slovakia?
The government estimates there are around 1,300 brown bears in Slovakia. However, some researchers say the actual number is closer to 1,270 and that the population is stable. Brown bears are native to the Carpathian mountain range, which extends through Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Romania.
What legal steps has the government taken?
Slovakia declared a special state of emergency in 55 of its 79 districts. The move allows authorities to issue direct orders to kill bears considered a public safety threat. The government also loosened protections for bears that stray too close to towns and cities. Officials reported 1,900 bear incidents in 2024 and approved the culling of 144 bears before announcing the new plan.
What are conservation groups saying?
Environmental organizations said the government is overstepping legal boundaries. European Union law permits killing bears only in specific cases, such as after proven attacks or property damage, and only when no other solution exists. Advocates argue the cull may violate Slovakia’s international obligations and call for prevention-focused strategies instead — such as waste management, regulating game baiting and public education on how to stay safe in bear country.
Ecologists have also expressed concern over possible misidentifications. A 2024 investigation into bear shootings revealed that hunters killed several bears that had not harmed humans.
What is fueling the debate across Europe?
Bear encounters have become more visible in Slovakia in recent years, with videos of bears running through towns and scavenging near homes spreading online. Experts said these viral moments could heighten fear and influence policy, even though most bear encounters are not dangerous.
The European Commission has not yet commented on whether Slovakia’s plan violates EU directives. But the controversy has sparked wider questions across the bloc about how governments balance wildlife conservation, public safety, and political pressure.
