Slovakia Moves Forward with Controversial Brown Bear Meat Sale

Despite significant opposition from conservationists and the European Parliament, Slovakia’s government has greenlit a plan to sell brown bear meat following a controversial culling initiative aimed at mitigating attacks on citizens.

 

In a controversial move that has polarized public opinion and raised conservation concerns, Slovakia's populist government has taken steps to allow the sale of brown bear meat, a species protected under EU law. The decision comes on the heels of a cabinet approval to cull approximately a quarter of Slovakia's estimated 1,300 brown bears, attributed to a troubling increase in human-bear encounters, including several fatal incidents.

This week, the government announced that the meat from these culled bears would be made available for public consumption, with assurances that all legal and hygiene protocols will be adhered to. Environment State Minister Filip Kuffa defended the plan, stating that previously culled bears were merely disposed of, which he deemed wasteful. He affirmed, "We will release every shot animal that meets certain conditions for consumption. Why? Because bear meat is edible."

The initiative has become a flashpoint in Slovakia, where bear attacks have reportedly surged; the nation ranks second in Europe for such incidents following Romania. Data suggests an average of ten bear attacks annually, with 54 recorded from 2000 to 2020 alone, including a recent tragic mauling that spurred Prime Minister Robert Fico to declare a necessary cull of up to 350 bears.

However, this policy has encountered fierce criticism from environmental activists and politicians, who argue that the government is unfairly targeting the bear population instead of focusing on preventive measures to reduce encounters. Michal Wiezik, an ecologist and MEP, condemned the government's "absurd" approach, asserting that alternatives exist to manage bear populations responsibly.

Greenpeace Slovakia’s Miroslava Abelova echoed this sentiment, labeling the proposal as "completely reckless" and asserting that the government disregards scientific recommendations while contravening conservation legislation that only allows for bear killings in extraordinary circumstances.

While bear meat is not a common culinary option in the rest of the EU, it is considered a delicacy in select regions of Eastern Europe and the Nordic countries. Selling brown bear meat does not come without risks; health experts have cautioned about the potential presence of the Trichinella parasite, requiring thorough testing and specific cooking temperatures to ensure safety for consumers.

As Slovakia embarks on this contentious path, the growing debate surrounding wildlife management and public safety continues to unfold, raising questions about the balance between human safety and species conservation in a changing landscape.