In a surprising move, Slovakia's government has approved the sale of brown bear meat, raising eyebrows across Europe. This decision comes after the cabinet sanctioned the culling of about 350 brown bears, part of a response to recent fatal encounters between bears and humans, including a tragic mauling in Central Slovakia.
Environmentalists and critics have voiced strong opposition, arguing that shooting these protected animals is not the solution to rising bear-human interactions. They claim that many encounters end without incident, advocating for alternative measures instead of culling. The brown bear is classified as "near threatened" under EU conservation regulations, making this decision particularly contentious.
Despite the backlash, authorities believe it’s wasteful to discard the culled bears, stating the meat will be available for public consumption if it meets health guidelines. State Minister Filip Kuffa highlighted that bear meat can be edible and ethical consumption will help utilize the animals effectively.
However, anyone considering trying bear meat should tread cautiously. Since it can carry the Trichinella parasite, strict health regulations exist. Each batch of bear meat must be tested for the parasite, and cooking requirements are stringent, ensuring it reaches a safe temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius.
This initiative not only raises questions about wildlife management but also about public health and ethics. As Slovakia embarks on this controversial path, the ramifications for bear populations and human safety remain to be seen.
