Slovenian government has passed a decree that could allow the killing of 200 brown bears and 11 wolves until April 2020.
This decree is contrary to the Nature Conservation Act, Council Directive 92/43/EEc of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and contrary to the Animal Protection Act.
In the Habitats Directive, both brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) are listed in Annex IV (Animal and plant species of community interest in need of strict protection) as protected species.
The Ministry of the Environment and spatial planning states in its explanation that the main proponents for the killing of bears and wolves are some stockbreeders and hunters. Why? The stockbreeders complain that wolves are attacking their livestock and hunters complain that wolves are stealing their game.
The fact is that we are increasingly and constantly interfering with the living space and food sources of wild animals.
The fact is that wild animals are naturally shy and tend to avoid humans if possible.
The fact is that in the whole written history of Slovenia there has been not a single recorded attack of a wolf on a human, and the number of bear attacks yearly is zero to two.
The fact is that despite increasing bear population the damage due to bears is decreasing.
The damage could be further reduced or even nullified by erecting appropriate safety fences and with the implementation of other protective measures like livestock guarding dogs and shepherds.
The fact is that killing is not a solution.
The fact is that every single life matters.
The fact is that every single voice counts.
