The Estonian Society of Hunters (EJS) believes that the population of brown bears in the country has grown to a level that may pose a threat to the safety of people and their property, and in this regard, demands the resumption of scientifically justified bear culling.
The organization calls for the restoration of scientifically justified regulation of bear populations and the allowance for the operational removal of problematic individuals. EJS also considers it necessary to discuss at the European level the change of the bear's conservation status in line with the changes adopted regarding the wolf.
According to hunters, incidents involving bears have increased in recent years, with animals being seen more frequently near and within populated areas. The organization notes that people are already regularly turning to hunters for assistance.
In EJS's opinion, the bear is the pride of Estonia's forests, and its natural habitat is the forest; however, situations where the animal enters populated areas and comes into close contact with humans are considered problematic.
"When a large predator loses its natural caution around humans, conflicts are inevitable. Such a situation cannot be considered normal. Fear of humans can only be ensured through scientifically justified hunting and population regulation. If the population is low, the species must be protected, but when it grows to a dangerously high level, it must also be regulated. Balance is important," said EJS President Margus Puust.
