Slaughter of Brown Bears in Slovakia: Over 350 Killed for Consumption by Locals
Slovakia Plans to Sell Brown Bear Meat Amid Growing Conflict Over Animal Population
In a controversial move, the Slovakian government has announced plans to sell brown bear meat to the public, starting next week. The decision comes amid a surge in bear attacks in the country, with a significant number resulting in fatalities.
Minister Filip Kuffer has clarified that only bears that meet certain conditions will be available for sale. "We are releasing for sale any bear that is fit for consumption," he stated, adding that "it's important to note that bear meat is edible."
The issue of bear encounters has become a political topic in Slovakia, with some officials focusing on addressing public safety concerns. In April of last year, a hiker was killed in the central part of the country, and it was determined that the attack was carried out by a bear.
Prime Minister Robert Fico had previously announced a culling program aimed at reducing the country's brown bear population, which numbers around 1,300. Fico stated that "we cannot allow people to live in fear while in the forest." The government maintains that the increase in bear attacks stems from an excessive population and limited food sources.
Consumption of bear meat is limited to certain countries in Eastern and Northern Europe, where it is considered a delicacy. However, there is a risk of trichinellosis, a parasitic disease, from consuming bear meat. European Union regulations require that bear meat undergo proper safety testing before sale.
To ensure consumer safety, strict safety measures have been implemented. All bear meat sold must be tested for Trichinella larvae to comply with EU Food Safety regulations. Cooking bear meat to an internal temperature of at least 70°C (158°F) and freezing, smoking, or drying are not effective at killing Trichinella parasites.
Only organizations approved by the environment ministry are permitted to offer bear meat for sale, provided they meet all legal and sanitary criteria.
Despite these measures, the decision to sell brown bear meat has sparked criticism from conservationists and opposition politicians, who argue against culling a protected species. The World Conservation Union classifies brown bears as "near threatened" in the EU.
Moscow, Elena Vasilyeva. © 2025, RIA "Novy Day"
In the midst of this controversy, the Slovakian government is planning to promote health-and-wellness by introducing bear meat as a fitness-and-exercise alternative, sourced from environmentally-controlled brown bears. Scientists warn that consumption of bear meat could pose a health risk due to potential trichinellosis infections, advising strict adherence to EU Food Safety regulations.
