Authorities and environmental groups in Greece have raised the alarm after three brown bears died in Western Macedonia within a short period in cases believed to be the consequence of human intervention.
Local authorities and wildlife protection organizations are investigating the incidents, which took place in Florina and Kozani. Brown bears are strictly protected in Greece, and killing them constitutes a serious criminal offense.
Brown bear in Greece dies after being shot near Egnatia Odos
One case involved an adult male bear around eight years of age weighing approximately 170 kilograms (375 pounds). Authorities located the animal on the Florina–Kozani section of the Egnatia Odos highway. Reports indicate that the bear had suffered three gunshot wounds, one to the neck and two to the back. Investigators believe the animal had entered a cornfield in search of food before an unidentified person shot it.
Although severely injured, the bear managed to proceed toward the highway, leaving behind traces of blood. Traffic police found the animal still alive when they got to the scene, but it died shortly afterward. An emergency response team from the wildlife organization Arcturos inspected the area and later transported the bear to the organization’s facilities. A veterinary examination is expected to provide additional information about the circumstances surrounding its death.
Young female bear believed to have consumed poisoned bait
Officials also located a dead, two-year-old female bear in a forested part of Florina. Early findings suggest that the young bear may have consumed poisoned bait, commonly known as a “poison trap.” Toxicology tests will determine whether poisoning resulted in its death.
Illegal poisoned bait poses a major threat to wildlife in Greece because it can kill bears as well as other animals that consume it or come into contact with it.
Third bear found shot in Kozani region
The third case emerged in Pylori, part of the municipality of Voio in Kozani, where authorities located a dead male bear estimated to be around 2.5 years of age.
According to preliminary evidence and findings cited by the environmental organization Kallisto, the bear had suffered three gunshot wounds to the head. Wildlife experts, forest officials, and a public veterinarian inspected the site, while the relevant services later handled the animal’s burial. A local resident alerted authorities to the case. Theodoros Palamas, head of the Tsotili Forest Service, said a livestock farmer heard gunshots and notified police.
Kallisto calls for more stringent regulations guarding brown bears in Greece
Kallisto stressed that Greek law strictly protects the brown bear and urged citizens to immediately contact authorities if they spot bears near residential areas. The organization also called for practical measures safeguarding both local communities and wildlife. It warned against endangering animals and undermining conservation efforts.
The deaths of the three bears have sparked renewed concern over the risks facing the species in northern Greece, where illegal hunting, poisoned bait, and increased contact between humans and wildlife continue to threaten one of the country’s most vital protected animals.
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