One of the first European countries to protect the brown bear, Slovenia threatened to decimate its bear population through an unscientific and unsustainable kill.

Unfortunately, whilst the action generated considerable attention, especially concerning the future management of bears in the country, WWF has learnt that the increased quota of 100 bears killed has now been reached. In fact 128 bears have been killed to date, with 28 being victims of traffic accidents.

This is very sad news and jeopardizes existing conservation programmes, which aim to reduce the conflicts between bears and the local human population.

There is a small glimmer of hope however. The pressure created from this action has led to more attention on the overall bear population in Slovenia and how international co-operation can be improved to better manage the species in the region.

WWF will continue to urge Slovenia and neighbouring countries to work together to establish a sustainable bear management system that protects the bear as well as the livelihoods of local people.

Thank you to everyone who took action.

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