(see related) The European Habitats Directive on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora provides for national authorities to authorize the capture or killing of protected species, a European Commission spokesperson said on Friday.
The directive "provides for the possibility for national
authorities to authorize the capture or killing of specimens of
protected species under certain conditions, including in the
interest of public health and safety," said the spokesperson in
relation to the current debate in Italy over the possible
culling of Jj4, the female bear that killed 26-year-old trail
runner Andrea Papi in the northern mountain province of Trento
on April 5.
The spokesperson also expressed "condolences to the friends and
family of Andrea Papi", adding that "the protection of human
life is and remains the first priority".
"A bear attack on humans is a very rare event, but it remains
tragic when it occurs," he said.
"Member state authorities responsible for wildlife management
have adequate tools to assess each individual case and take
appropriate preventive or reactive measures," the spokesperson
concluded.
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