Slovakia bear attacks prompt calls for increased culling

Authorities in the Liptov region of Slovakia have issued a new warning following increased brown bear activity near the village of Závažná Poruba. This follows a July incident where a bear attacked a local resident near his home, resulting in injuries. Although the specific bear involved in the July attack was identified and eliminated, local officials report that other bears continue to be sighted in the area.

Minister of Tourism and Sports and leader of the Rural Party, Rudolf Huliak, has criticized the current pace of bear population management. Huliak claims that bear attacks are rising, noting that ten attacks have occurred this year, and highlighted a severe case where a man was hospitalized in a medically induced coma following a bear encounter.

Huliak has called on the Ministry of Environment to accelerate the culling of bears, pointing out a significant drop in the number of bears removed compared to last year. He argued that the current situation is impacting public safety and urged officials to take decisive action to ensure citizens do not fear leaving their homes.