Trentino: Bear M49 captured
For more than nine months the brown bear numbered «M49» roamed free — now authorities in the northern Italian Alps have captured the animal.
As the Autonomous Province of Trentino reports, the escaped bear M49 fell into a trap set by rangers. He was caught on Tuesday evening above the municipality of Tione. The «problem bear» weighs 167 kilograms and is in good physical condition.
Environment Minister seeks new home for M49
«I am making every effort to find a new home for bear M49 by all possible means. We have made contact with European nature reserves and countries where the bear could live without danger. Our goal is to secure the best possible solution for this bear, whom we love,» wrote Italian Environment Minister Sergio Costa in a press release published on the matter.
Costa assured that the bear is in good condition. «I have been involved from the very beginning to ensure that the animal is not killed. Captivity is not a solution. But the final word rests with the Autonomous Province of Trento. I am not pleased that M49 has lost his freedom. He has never attacked people. We want him to be treated well,» said the Environment Minister.
Italy’s most wanted «problem bear» has fallen into a pipe trap set by rangers after nine months on the run in Trentino and was captured on Tuesday evening, 28 April 2020. The animal, which had been ordered shot on the instructions of Trentino Provincial Governor Maurizio Fugatti, was caught in the mountains above Tione and transferred to the Casteller wildlife care centre. He is subsequently to find a place in the wildlife enclosure there.
Trentino bear M49 captured 
Trentino bear M49 captured 
Trentino bear M49 captured
«Papillon»: The escape king
It was from there that «M49», whom some call «Papillon» because of his escape abilities, had fled after a brief captivity in July 2019. He is said to have overcome several fences, including one with an electric security system. During his time in the wild, the bear reportedly appeared near settlements. Farmers complained that he had killed their livestock.
After his escape, the regional authorities had authorized the shooting of the animal, prompting protests from animal welfare advocates . The environmental organization WWF in Italy called the capture on Wednesday «sad news».
