Carlo Papi : Giant Brown Bear Rampages in Italian Town: Urgent Plea to Remove Menace

A father calls for tougher action after son killed by bear in Italy

A grieving father, Carlo Papi, whose son Andrea tragically lost his life to a bear attack last year, is advocating for stricter measures as tensions rise over the issue of culling in Italy. The recent surge in bear sightings in populated areas, with three incidents occurring within a week, has reignited the debate on wildlife management.

Andrea, aged 26, was fatally mauled by a 17-year-old brown bear known as JJ4 while jogging along a rural trail where bears are allowed to roam freely. Despite the bear’s involvement in a previous attack in 2020, plans to euthanize it were halted following Andrea’s death, sparking outrage among the community.

Italy’s strict laws protect bears as a vulnerable species, making culling a contentious issue. However, with the recent bear sightings, including one near a nursery school, demands for more stringent controls have intensified.

Mr Papi expressed his frustration, stating, “We have been abandoned. My son passed away a year ago, and nothing has changed. It’s not just the woods near our homes that are unsafe; even our own homes are at risk now.”

Concerns over bear population in Trentino region

Approximately 100 bears are believed to inhabit the Trentino region in northern Italy, following their reintroduction in the late 1990s. However, authorities suspect that the actual number may be higher, raising concerns about human-wildlife conflicts.

Local councillor Claudio Cia shared footage of recent bear sightings, including one in the village of Male near Trento. The video captured a bear wandering through the streets, alarming residents and highlighting the need for immediate intervention.

The escalating frequency of bear encounters has sparked fears among residents, prompting calls for the relocation of the animals to controlled environments like zoos or safari parks. Concerns about the safety of both humans and wildlife have led to growing calls for a more proactive approach to managing bear populations.

Debate over culling and conservation

While bear attacks remain relatively rare, the tragic death of Andrea Papi has underscored the need for a balanced approach to bear conservation and public safety. Councillor Cia emphasised the necessity of humane culling to prevent further incidents and protect both humans and bears.

However, conservationists like Michela Vittoria Brambilla argue that bears are a vital part of Italy’s biodiversity and should be protected from harm. The debate over culling versus conservation continues to divide opinions, with advocacy groups staging protests to defend the rights of endangered species.

As Italy grapples with the complex issue of wildlife management, the community remains divided on the best course of action to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in the region.