Brown bears in Bavaria: District Administrator calls for armed unit for control

Brown bears in Bavaria: District Administrator calls for armed unit for control

District Administrator proposes armed willingness to better protect southern Bavaria

In the south of Bavaria, the sightings of brown bears are increasing. In view of this development, the district administrator of the Oberallgäu, Indra Baier-Müller, is prompted to ask for drastic measures to prepare the region for future encounters with these predators.

The number of bear units will change currently. In order to define the expansion more precisely, the local authorities should be able to act faster in the event of a greater presence of bears and, if necessary, even fatal measures, according to the district administrator. The brown bear population has increased significantly in Bavaria in recent years.

In order to protect the population from bear attacks, Baier-Müller also suggests revising the Bavarian Braunbären Management Plan from 2007. This plan comes from a time when the famous Bär Bruno was shot in the Free State after he was considered a problem bear. It is also important to educate the population and tourists about the correct behavior in bear areas. Lectures, brochures and informative films could contribute to this.

The establishment of an armed unit to protect against brown bears could therefore be a sensible measure to effectively protect both the population and the wild animals. Minister Thorsten Glauber has already been informed about the district administrator's claims and will decide on further steps.

- Nag