Mother Bear Shot and Killed in Italy, Sparking Outrage
Rome – The recent killing of a mother bear named Amarena has caused outrage among animal rights groups and local politicians in Italy. The brown bear was shot by a resident of San Benedetto dei Marsi, just outside the national park of Abruzzo in central Italy, according to confirmation from the park on Friday.
Amarena gained international attention in 2021 when her 4-year-old cub, Juan Carrito, broke into a local bakery and devoured hundreds of biscuits. The park’s veterinarian and emergency team rushed to the scene but could only confirm the bear’s death due to the severity of her wounds, as stated on the park’s Facebook page.
Amarena was a Marsican brown bear, an endangered species in Italy with fewer than 60 bears remaining. Her killing is being treated as a serious crime, and the 56-year-old man responsible has been handed over to local police. The national park expressed its concern, stating, “The episode is very serious and causes enormous damage to the population of about 60 specimens, affecting one of the most prolific females in the history of the park. Obviously, there are no reasons to justify the episode given that Amarena had never created any type of problem for the man.”
The prosecutor’s office in Avezzano, led by Maurizio Maria Cerrato, has initiated an investigation into the killing, which is in violation of the 544bis penal code, relating to the cruel murder of an animal without warrant, according to the prosecutor’s office. If convicted, the man could face a prison sentence ranging from four months to two years.
The man claimed that he shot the bear out of fear, stating, “I didn’t want to kill it, I found it inside my property. It was an impulsive, instinctive act,” as reported by CNN affiliate Sky24.
Amarena’s famous biscuit-stealing cub, Juan Carrito, tragically died earlier this year after being hit by a car. However, her current young cubs were found following a search late Thursday and are now under the care of park authorities.
Italy’s environment minister, Gilberto Pichetto, described the killing as a “serious” matter and emphasized the need for a swift investigation. Pichetto stated, “I am in constant contact with all the institutional actors who are working to shed light on the matter: maximum coordination is now needed between the ministry, the regions, the Park Authority, Ispra, Cufa, mayors, and prefects. Our commitment is also aimed at protecting the bear cubs, doing everything so that they can remain in freedom.”
This incident adds to the concerning trend of bear killings in Italy. Since 2010, a total of 15 bears have been killed in the country, with three of them being killed in Abruzzo. In April, a 17-year-old bear that killed a jogger was sentenced to death in the northern region of Trento. However, the bear was granted a stay of execution and has since been captured.
The killing of Amarena highlights the urgent need for stricter measures to protect endangered species and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
How can legislation and enforcement be strengthened to deter and penalize individuals who harm or kill protected species
Na was not a threat to human safety.”
The incident has ignited a wave of anger and sadness among animal rights groups, who argue that more needs to be done to protect and conserve the endangered Marsican brown bear population. Several organizations have called for stricter penalties for those found guilty of harming or killing protected species.
Local politicians have also joined the chorus of outrage, with some calling for immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Manuela Di Biasio, a member of the regional council of Abruzzo, called the killing a “senseless act” and pledged to push for stronger laws and regulations to safeguard the bear population.
The killing of Amarena comes at a time when efforts are being made to increase the bear population in Italy. The national park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise had recently released two female bears into the wild in an attempt to boost numbers. The tragic death of Amarena underscores the challenges faced in protecting these animals and highlights the urgent need for stronger conservation measures.
This incident also highlights the delicate balance between human communities and wildlife in the region. While it is important to ensure the safety of humans, it is equally crucial to protect and preserve the habitats of endangered species. The killing of Amarena serves as a reminder of the fragility of our natural world and the responsibility we all bear in ensuring its survival.
As the investigation into Amarena’s killing continues, animal rights activists and conservationists are demanding justice and urging authorities to take swift action. The tragedy has amplified the call for better protection of endangered species and stricter enforcement of laws against wildlife crimes.
Amarena’s untimely death has become a symbol of the urgent need to prioritize conservation efforts and raise awareness about the plight of endangered species. Her loss serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that human actions can have on the fragile ecosystem and the urgent need for change.
