Bratislava – Slovakia is experiencing a growing population of brown bears, prompting the need for extensive regulatory measures. Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, a nominee of the Slovak National Party (SNS), made this statement on Monday. He revealed that the State Nature Protection of the Slovak Republic has provided justification for a proposed culling of 350 bears following an incident in Poľana, Detva. However, it’s worth noting that last year, the European Commission (EC) highlighted that the EU Habitats Directive prohibits “preventive culling” of bears, as reported by TASR.
Minister Taraba announced that on Wednesday (April 2), the government plans to propose a state of emergency in districts inhabited by bears, allowing for simplified culling procedures. He emphasized that an increase in the bear population leads to more human encounters and damages.
“I believe that, similar to measures implemented in Romania, we too will establish a preventive quota for bear culling in Slovakia in the near future,” he explained. He indicated that the regulation will be broad and proactive, akin to previous efforts. Taraba also mentioned a discussion he had with Romania’s Environment Minister, where they exchanged valuable insights.
In the Zapriechody area of Detva under Poľana, authorities discovered a deceased individual with severe injuries, with preliminary reports suggesting a fatal encounter with a brown bear. This information was provided by the State Nature Protection of the Slovak Republic, as reported by TASR on Monday.
Last August, the European Commission affirmed to the Euractiv Slovensko portal that EU member states are not permitted to carry out preventive culling of brown bears, as the Habitats Directive does not allow for such measures. Exceptions can only be made if there are no other economically or technically viable alternatives, and it must not jeopardize the positive conservation status of the species within its natural habitat. (March 31)
“I am convinced that just as they introduced in Romania, we will also introduce a preventive quota for bear culling in the foreseeable future in Slovakia.” Tomáš Taraba
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