The issue of brown bears continues to preoccupy the population in the central Italian mountain region of Abruzzo. The “Gemma” bear, one of the specimens classified as “confident and problematic” by the Abruzzo National Park, is causing a stir. The animal entered a hotel in broad daylight in the mountain town of Scanno, in L’Aquila province. The bear entered the kitchen of the hotel “Mille Pini” and devoured a pie and a pie.
An employee observed what was happening and informed the park administration. A few minutes later, the bear went to a villa and sat on the landing. This summer, the 25-year-old ‘Gemma’ already caused some unrest among tourists. So she had appeared in a playground, some frightened children fled. Until now, however, the bear was considered harmless.
Bear is considered harmless
“There are places where bears even enter kitchens and eat pies without anyone touching them, and there are places where bears enter gardens and someone shoots them,” said Luciano Sammarone, director of the Abruzzo National Park. He was referring to the case of the brown bear “Amarena” (Black Cherry), who was shot dead last week for entering a hunter’s yard.
The man who killed the bear last week in the Abruzzo town of San Benedetto dei Marsi has received death threats and had to be placed under police protection.
Hunter shot bear in yard
“I haven’t slept in three days,” the merchant complained. “I keep getting calls and texts with death threats. They even called my 85 year old mother. My whole family is being pilloried,” said the man who shot “Amarena” Friday night after the bear and her two cubs invaded his property. He legally owns his gun. During interrogation, the 56-year-old stated that he only aimed the shotgun at the ground once and out of fear.
Nevertheless, the Public Prosecution Service launched an investigation against him – on suspicion of cruelly and without reason killing the animal. Meanwhile, the search for the two cubs continues. Several baited traps, scented with the mother, were initially unsuccessful.
Not many specimens of the species survive
“Amarena” and “Gemma” are brown martians. It is a subspecies of which there are only about 50 animals left, compared to about 100 in 1980. This species lives in the central Italian Apennines. The death of “Amarena” once again raises questions about the often problematic coexistence of bears with populations in mountain communities.
The topic is also relevant in Trentino-Alto Adige. Fifteen bears have been killed in central Italy since 2010, three of them in the parks of Abruzzo.
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.
