Trentino allows anti-bear spray: protection or aggression?

Trentino allows anti-bear spray: protection or aggression?

The Parliament of the Autonomous Province of Trento recently passed a draft law aimed at regulating the growing bear population in the region. This law allows the targeted shooting of up to eight bears per year in order to increase public safety and reduce incidents between humans and bears. This decision is not an easy one, especially given the emotional and ethical debate surrounding wildlife conservation. The draft was adopted with 19 votes in favour, 11 abstentions and 2 votes against.

The bear population in Trentino is estimated at over 100 and is growing by around 10% annually. This has led to an increase in human-wildlife conflict, especially after the tragic incident in which a young runner was killed by a bear. These events have sparked public discussion about the coexistence of humans and nature. Animal protection organizations are critical of the law and are calling for more responsible handling of wild animals. They advocate measures that promote peaceful coexistence and respect the bears' habitat.

Measures to minimize conflict

To increase safety in forest areas, the province plans to equip professionals who frequently work in forests with anti-bear spray. Rescue teams, firefighters and mountain rescuers should be equipped with this spray so that they can react without using force in the event of a bear attack. Roberto Failoni, the Commissioner for Forestry, Hunting and Fisheries, emphasizes the need to protect forest workers while maintaining respect for wild animals. The equipment can be carried out after the relevant implementing regulations have been issued Kleine Zeitung.

In addition, the aim is to replace conventional garbage cans with bear-proof containers in order to avoid unnecessarily attracting bears near human living space. The forest guard is also given responsibility for making decisions about the shooting of problematic bear specimens, with the order for shooting being the responsibility of the Trentino governor Maurizio Fugatti South Tyrol News.

Public reactions and discussions

The newly passed law has caused huge waves and is causing intense debate in the local community and beyond. Critics of the law complain that the targeted shooting of bears is not a sustainable approach and could endanger the balance between humans and nature Naturally Hunting.

The challenge lies in creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and bears while ensuring safety. The discussion about the future treatment of the bear population in Trentino remains controversial, but also shows the urgent need for responsible and sustainable forestry.