What to do with “Gaia”? The shooting of the bear that killed a jogger in Italy seems a foregone conclusion. Or is there still a chance for the problem bear? There is a shelter at the Innviertler border and even a separate swimming pool for the animals.
“We want to give the female bear another chance,” says Arpád von Gaál. Problem bear “Gaia” was about to be shot after (presumably to defend her cubs) – as reported – she killed a 26-year-old jogger in the woods in northern Italy. At the last minute, Gaál’s animal association submitted a letter of intent to the Italian authorities: “We want to take the animal to our shelter in Bad Füssing.” The brown bear was therefore able to move to the Upper Austrian border, the farm in Bavaria is only five kilometers away from the border to the Innviertel.
“We rescue animals, some of which had to live in a few square meters of concrete for 30 years,” says von Gaál. And now they also want to save “Gaia” from death. If the brown bear moves to our border, she must first be quarantined for four to six weeks. “To observe the behavior, but also the state of health,” explains Maximilian Prantl. He is one of three nurses who live directly at the Bavarian Shrine.
After that, the animals are allowed to take up residence on the ten-hectare site. Even a swimming pool is available there for the four-legged friends!
“The bears eat 80 percent vegetarian food, mainly fruit and vegetables,” says caretaker Prantl. All the more terrifying is the deadly attack on the Italian jogger. Because Master Petz isn’t actually a hunter in the wild, and if he is, he feeds on animals or bugs that are already dead.
The decision on the future of “Gaia” should be made in May. The last time a bear lived directly in Upper Austria was in 2009. At that time, “Moritz” roamed the Salzkammergut before moving further east. No bears have been sighted since then. Even the wildlife cameras in the local woods were no longer able to capture a Master Petz.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
