The hunter's story highlighted the conflicts between wildlife protection and hunting practices in France.
French Hunter Sentenced for Killing Endangered Bear Amid Controversy
French Hunter Sentenced for Killing Endangered Bear Amid Controversy
An 81-year-old hunter in France faces legal repercussions after killing a protected bear during a hunting incident.
The court's judgment came down hard on an 81-year-old hunter who shot and killed a protected bear in the Pyrenees mountains. The man received a four-month suspended sentence and a fine after claiming he had no choice but to shoot in self-defense during a boar hunt back in 2021. The unfortunate victim, a 150kg female bear named Caramelles, is now preserved and displayed at the Toulouse Natural History Museum.
The Foix Criminal Court heard that the group of hunters stumbled upon bear cubs, followed by the aggressive mother, which led to the fateful encounter. The hunter shared his harrowing experience with the court, indicating he was attacked and dragged by the bear before he managed to shoot it. Prosecutors clarified that the hunting party was operating outside the designated hunting zone, raising questions about their presence in such an area.
In total, 15 hunters faced legal action and were also fined, being held accountable for damages exceeding €60,000 owed to environmental groups following a civil suit. The defense attorney for the 14 hunters contested the charges, arguing a lack of clear signage denoting the no-hunting policy in the region.
Bear preservation advocates welcomed the court's decision, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among the hunting community regarding the protection of endangered species. The president of the Pays de l'ours association remarked that the unanimous guilt assigned to the hunters signifies a significant step towards conservation efforts.
A stark contrast to past statistics, the bear population in the Pyrenees had dwindled to only 70 by 1954, but has witnessed gradual growth following reintroduction programs. By 2024, the French Office for Biodiversity reported the existence of approximately 96 bears in the region, showcasing the efforts made to revive the species.
The Foix Criminal Court heard that the group of hunters stumbled upon bear cubs, followed by the aggressive mother, which led to the fateful encounter. The hunter shared his harrowing experience with the court, indicating he was attacked and dragged by the bear before he managed to shoot it. Prosecutors clarified that the hunting party was operating outside the designated hunting zone, raising questions about their presence in such an area.
In total, 15 hunters faced legal action and were also fined, being held accountable for damages exceeding €60,000 owed to environmental groups following a civil suit. The defense attorney for the 14 hunters contested the charges, arguing a lack of clear signage denoting the no-hunting policy in the region.
Bear preservation advocates welcomed the court's decision, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among the hunting community regarding the protection of endangered species. The president of the Pays de l'ours association remarked that the unanimous guilt assigned to the hunters signifies a significant step towards conservation efforts.
A stark contrast to past statistics, the bear population in the Pyrenees had dwindled to only 70 by 1954, but has witnessed gradual growth following reintroduction programs. By 2024, the French Office for Biodiversity reported the existence of approximately 96 bears in the region, showcasing the efforts made to revive the species.
