Slovakia approves culling of 350 brown bears amid rising attacks

Bratislava [Slovakia], April 3: The Slovak government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in several districts and approved the culling of 350 brown bears, citing the danger to humans after a spate of attacks.
According to Environment Minister Tomas Taraba, an extraordinary cull will be carried out in selected districts, bringing down the country's bear population from more than 1,300 bears. He said 800 would be a "sufficient number" for Slovakia.
Police confirmed that a 59-year-old man was killed in a bear attack on Wednesday in the woods of central Slovakia. This is the latest fatal bear attack this year.
Speaking after a government session the same day, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia can't become a country where people are afraid to enter the woods.
Source: Xinhua