Angry reactions from animal rights groups and politicians – National Park is home to around 50 brown bears
The death of a mother bear who he was mortally wounded by bullets near a national park in central Italy, leaving her two young ones to fend for themselves, has challenged her condemnation of organizations on animal rights and politics.
The bear was killed late Thursday on the outskirts of the town of San Benedetto dei Marchi, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park said on Facebook today, also posting a photo that was widely circulated on social media. Police have identified the suspected assailant, he added.
It was not clear why the bear was shot, but bear hunting is illegal in Italy.
#Abruzzokilled #orsaAmarena, now her 2 puppies are at risk. Luciano Di Tizio President @WWFitalia“Crime of #nature very serious and unjustifiable” R. Maggini, Pres. @WWF_Roma : “Horrendous crime that took place between disinformation and political exploitation” pic.twitter.com/qZs8CsbxF1
— WWF Roma (@WWF_Roma) September 1, 2023
The bear was spotted in a nearby town a few days ago with her two cubs, according to video. She was known as “Amarena” (black cherry) after the fruit she ate.
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is home to around 50 brown bears, a species found in central Italy.
The uproar over the bear shooting follows a controversy over an incident in April when a bear killed a 26-year-old runner in northern Italy.
The death has sparked a legal battle between local authorities, who want to kill the bear and another deemed dangerous, and environmental groups who want to save them.
Today, animal rights group Lav called Amarena a “victim of the national climate of hatred” of wild animals, claiming it is fueled by politicians.
However, her death was commemorated by local and national authorities, including Environment Minister Gilberto Piqueto Fratin.
National Park president Luciano Samarone told La Repubblica newspaper that the bear had crossed a private fence but had no history of attacking people.
“I find it hard to believe that (he was killed) in self-defense,” he said, adding that he would await the outcome of the investigations.
Green Party leader Angelo Bonelli said park rangers were searching for her cubs and there were fears they would survive.
