Trentino Legalizes Bear Culling by Law
The regional parliament of the northern Italian province of Trentino has approved a controversial law allowing the killing of up to eight bears per year.
Up to eight bears per year approved for culling
On 4 March 2024, members of parliament voted in favor of the draft law following a debate lasting several hours. According to the provincial government, the law serves to contain the bear population in the region, which is popular with holidaymakers.
Unwanted encounters between humans and bears in the forests of the mountainous region occur repeatedly in Trentino.
Previously, provincial president Maurizio Fugatti of the right-wing Lega party was already able to order the culling of “problem bears,” but faced bureaucratic hurdles. The new law allows the president to more straightforwardly approve the killing of up to eight problematic and dangerous animals. Of the maximum eight per year, only two adult females, two adult males, and four juveniles may be included. This maximum quota applies to the years 2024 and 2025 respectively.
100 Brown Bears in Trentino
The bear population in Trentino has continued to expand in recent years. Around 100 adult brown bears are currently estimated to live there. At the last count in 2022, the number was still 85. Incidents occur repeatedly. In April of last year, a young jogger was attacked and killed by the bear JJ4, known as Gaia. Since then, the debate over bears has intensified.
Calls for the killing of “problem bears” grew increasingly loud following the high-profile incident. However, animal welfare organisations pushed back. In light of the new law, the tone has sharpened. Fugatti and other provincial representatives are now receiving threats, some of them death threats. Staff of the forestry corps and wildlife service are also receiving threatening calls and letters.
18 Categories for Behavioral Assessment
Numerous supporters of animal welfare organizations gathered outside the Trento regional parliament during Monday's debate, protesting against the law. Activists unfurled a banner in the public gallery inside and attempted to disrupt the proceedings.
Bears that approach settlements or people in the forest are already considered problematic. Following attacks or so-called mock charges intended as a deterrent, bears are classified as dangerous. The authorities have established 18 categories to assess the animals' behavior. However, the new law is not intended to be applied in such a way that the maximum quota must necessarily be met. Decisions are to be made on a case-by-case basis.
