Tyrol’s top hunter Anton Larcher sees an immediate and permanent danger to humans in the return of wolves and bears to the local forests. Science shows such habituated animals are “ticking time bombs,” the state hunter master explained. In the long run, there should be no future for predators in Central Europe.
If the predators multiply completely uncontrollably, this also means a risk to humans. The whole rules of behavior are “useless” because “the animals are inevitably used to and also seek human contact. God have mercy if one or more specimens recognize humans as their favorite prey.’ With the hunt for wolves and bears, it is now the hunters who have to “scoop up the soup that zoological fanatics and Brussels ideologues have brought us.” Larcher rode a sharp attack.
Attacks on hunters by vegans and farmers
“The fact that we are being criticized by both radical vegans and disgruntled farmers shows the absurdity into which we have been maneuvered,” explains the state hunter. Larcher, who claims to represent 15,000 Tyrolean hunters, stressed that it was never in the hunters’ best interest to hunt the big predators.
Larcher: “Retreat areas are missing”
In any case, there is no place for wolves and bears in Central Europe: “The spaces are too small, there are no retreats. While it is rare for a brown bear in Alaska or Canada to have direct contact with human scents, facilities and people, it is rare for a European brown bear to have no direct or indirect human contact one day.”
In February, an amendment to the hunting law was passed with a majority in the Tyrolean state parliament, as a result of which the killing of wolves is now permitted by ordinance and no longer by decree as before. Previous decisions had been overturned by the court several times after environmental protection organizations successfully appealed. The shooting ordinance now generally applies to a wolf – not a specific individual. Larcher found words of praise for this.
“Peaceful coexistence is not possible”
“Our state policy has worked, which is a good thing. However, we still need to implement better and, above all, more far-reaching measures,” the state hunter urged further measures. What is the point of a spatially limited firing sequence, “if I know that the animals can move 40 to 100 kilometers from one day to the next and then their mischief begins again?” he asked. The money the public sector puts into DNA testing, hair analysis, and bear commissioners could be invested much more wisely “if only the facts were finally acknowledged.” “Peaceful coexistence with wolves and bears in the Eastern Alps is simply not possible,” Larcher summarized.
In general, the top Tyrolean hunter criticized the “hypocrisy” in the debate about the return of wolves and bears to the European Alps. In any case, the hunters will not be put off. For over a decade he has been warning about the situation of large carnivores in the Central European Alps – and also that “it will not stop with sheep and cattle, but that people will be in immediate and permanent danger if bears and wolves are brought back and turned completely multiply uncontrollably.”
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.
