Bear Attacks in Northern Italy Raise Concerns
In recent weeks, northern Italy has witnessed a series of bear attacks that have heightened concerns about the growing brown bear population in the Alps. The most recent incident occurred on Monday, July 15, when a 43-year-old French tourist was attacked while hiking near the hamlet of Naroncolo in Val di Sole, Trentino. The bear appeared suddenly, injuring the man's arms before fleeing. The injured tourist managed to call for help and was flown to Santa Chiara hospital in Trento for treatment.
Increasing Bear Encounters and Local Reactions
This attack is not an isolated incident. Earlier in July, a mother bear with cubs was spotted in the vineyards of Dro, and another bear encounter was reported near Padaro involving a Dutch tourist. These frequent bear sightings have led to increased anxiety among locals and tourists alike. Claudio Mimiola, the mayor of Dro, has called for 'more concrete measures' to address the situation, suggesting that while bears should not be killed or relocated, they cannot remain in the area. In response, provincial president Maurizio Fugatti of the Lega party has approved a plan to shoot bears in Trentino.
The situation has drawn comparisons to other recent bear attacks in Europe. In April 2023, an Italian jogger was killed by a bear in Val di Sole, and just last week, a 19-year-old woman was killed by a bear in Romania. These incidents have sparked debates over bear management and safety measures. In Romania, authorities have announced plans to double their bear slaughter quotas following the recent fatal attack.
The brown bear population in Trentino has grown significantly since the 'Life Ursus' reintroduction plan was implemented between 1996 and 2004. The plan initially aimed for 50 bears, but the number has now increased to around a hundred. This rapid growth has led to more frequent human-bear encounters, prompting calls for better management strategies to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.
- The provincial authorities in Trentino have been actively working to identify and manage the bears involved in these incidents. Forest guards have been dispatched to the areas of recent attacks to track and monitor the bears. In one case, a bear identified as JJ4, who was involved in a fatal attack on an Italian jogger, is set to be transferred to a shelter in Germany later this year.
- Local residents have also taken measures to deter bears from entering populated areas. Forestry teams have employed deterrent methods such as firing rubber bullets to scare away the animals. Despite these efforts, the increasing bear population and frequent encounters have left many residents and tourists on edge, calling for more effective and long-term solutions.
