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In France, the "scaring" measures of the brown bears of the Pyrenees (south-west) intended to protect the herds from their predation are now possible, their framework having been defined by an order published Saturday in the Official Journal. The publication of this decree comes two days after the death of more than 250 ewes in a Ariège massif fell from a ridge due to the presence of a bear. At least forty plantigrades are present in the Pyrenean massif, where the tension is very strong between opponents and supporters of the animal.
How to scare a hairy and clawed beast that measures 1m 80 and weighs 200 kilos? According to the decree published in the official journal, there are two methods to frighten bears, but farmers must apply to the prefecture for permission to apply them.
The first, so-called "simple", employs measures of sound scaring using whistle, bell or fog horn or bright as torches, for example. It is implemented if the bear is responsible for a limited number of herd attacks during grazing periods.
The second so-called "reinforced" gives the possibility to qualified people, such as shepherds for example, to use non-lethal shots on the animal using rubber cartridges. It is applied when the simple scaring strategy did not work.
The decree specifies that, whatever the method practiced, it will be the subject of a detailed report to the prefect.
Finally, it should be noted that if the scaring of bears occurred in the Pyrenees National Park, it would be subject to the authorization of the reserve director.
► See also: Two Slovenian bears released in the Pyrenees in October