Πίσω
11.04.2017
Bear discovered dead in Florina, believed poisoned
An adult bear was found dead on the outskirts of Florina. The bear was probably the victim of a poisonous bait as per the on-spot examination of the dead animal by the Florina Veterinarian Service and the ARCTUROS Response Team.
On Monday, 10 April 2017, the Response Team of ARCTUROS was alerted of a bear near the city of Florina. Despite the quick response of the Team, the bear was already dead when they arrived at the spot.
The Florina Veterinarian Service examined the animal and discovered strong indications that it was poisoned as it was found in a pond, where it was probably trying to quench the thirst caused by poisoning. The organs of the animal were enlarged – also a sign of poisoning. The exact causes of the death of the animal shall be determined following the toxicology testing to be performed.
ARCTUROS would like to thank the Veterinarian and Forest Service of Florina as well as the Prepsa Management Body for their valuable assistance as well as for immediately notifying ARCTUROS of the incident.
Although illegal, poison bait is widely used to eliminate animals that are wrongly perceived as a threat to humans and livestock, such as bears, foxes, wolves and stray animals. Unfortunately, most times, rare or endangered species as well as hunting dogs are often the victims of poison baits, but their death is treated as ’collateral damage’.
It should be noted, however, that apart from the moral and legal dimension of this practice, poison baits pose a significant threat not only to wildlife but also to humans.
The ARCTUROS Response team, which is reinforced through the creation of the Balkan Centre for Wild Carnivores effected by ARCTUROS and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, responds to incidents of wild carnivores injuries and entrapment.
