Luciano Sammaronedirector of the Abruzzo Lazio Molise National Park, said: “It is a huge loss, even if the first hypotheses speak of a competition between bears”. Based on the first cadaveric reconnaissance, in fact, signs emerged that could suggest a fight between plantigrades: an element supported by the presence, nearby, of tufts of bear fur which were found and collected for genetic analysis.
“Only through the investigations that will be carried out both at the veterinary medicine clinic of the University of Teramo and at the Zooprophylactic Institute of Teramo will it be possible to establish the real causes of death and exclude any poisoning or acts of poaching”, concluded Sammarone.
Meanwhile, Aidaa (Italian Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment) says that next week it will send a complaint to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Sulmona to request in-depth investigations into the causes of the bear’s death, on which animal rights activists have a very specific thesis if it were to be poisoning: “In that zone – we read in a note – many truffle hunters operate and the presence of the bear could annoy them in their search actions, not to mention the fact that in recent months dozens of truffle dogs have been poisoned and therefore, if poisoning were confirmed, that would certainly be the first lead to follow, without neglecting other hypotheses obviously”. However, Aidaa concludes, “Before drawing conclusions, let’s wait to know the results of the autopsy tests”.
The Marsican Brown Bear, with an estimated population of only 50-60 examples, is classified as a critically endangered animal. The loss of even a single specimen represents a serious blow to ongoing conservation efforts. The Pnalm has implemented various measures, including constant monitoring, awareness and environmental education programmes.
