• A ministerial decree published on Tuesday authorizes the use of "reinforced" scaring of bears by non-lethal shots.

  • This process, which has been used for three years on an experimental basis in the Pyrenees, has already been deemed illegal twice by the courts.

  • Bear defenders are surprised by this authorization and are preparing a new appeal.

The best thing for bears that love fresh meat is to hide their hindquarters.

Because rubber bullets could fly.

In a decree published this Tuesday in

the Official Journal

, the Ministry of Ecological Transition indeed perpetuates the methods of scaring plantigrade predators of herds tested for three years in the Pyrenees.

The decision concerns “classic” scaring with headlights, torches, whistles or fog horns, but also the much more controversial so-called “reinforced” scaring measure.

The latter allows, after authorization from the prefect of the department, to use non-lethal shots to frighten a bear that prowls too close to a herd.

It is strongly contested by pro-bear associations.

They have already won their case twice before the Council of State, the highest administrative court in the country, concerning the ministerial decrees which authorized reinforced scaring on an experimental basis.

New judicial round

Hence, let's say, the annoyance of the friends of the bears on reading this new decree.

"We are very disappointed and, unfortunately, not surprised by the attitude of the State which, against all advice - that of experts, justice and populations - continues to want to scare away bears in the Pyrenees", reacts Alain Reynes, director of the Adet-Pays de l'ours association.

“This process is expensive, has in no way demonstrated its effectiveness and is dangerous for bears,” continues the activist.

He also indicates that "obviously" a new appeal will be filed.

For the previous decrees, the procedure lasted two years.

There are 70 bears recorded in the Pyrenees, a number which according to specialists does not yet ensure the survival of the species.

Many shepherds object to their presence.

In 2021, 486 compensation files were filed for a total of 723 farm animals killed, but the responsibility of a bear could not always be proven.

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