Two small bears, approximately 9 months old, were found dead and decomposing by the local environmental organization “Bear Bones”, in the wider area of ​​Panagitsa, Pella prefecture (Vora mountain range – protected area of ​​the Natura 2000 network).

The local organization informed Kallisto about the incident and then the forestry services of Edessa, Arktouros and OFYPEKA officials were informed. After the incident was reported, the Immediate Intervention Team for the Bear was activated, with the participation of all the above agencies with the use of specially trained dogs.

According to a related announcement, from a first macroscopic and ballistic examination, it is assumed that the death of the two young bears is due to a criminal act with firearmwhereas the possibility of their poisoning has been ruled out.

One of the two teddy bears had a paw removed and has a head injury.

Tissue samples were collected from both bears for laboratory testing and DNA analysis. The study of the bone remains is expected to determine, in a clearer way, the cause of their death.

During the autopsy, the trained dogs of the Special Units for the Detection of Poisoned Baits and Bear Detection Dogs (Karelia) of OFYPEKA also tried, without detecting any bait or any other dead animal.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that little bears, only a few months old, are killed by humans. An act that constitutes a criminal act. For this reason, the Edessa Prosecutor’s Office has already been informed, which is investigating the incident. Bear poaching continues to be a major problem and threatens, over time, species protected by legislation, such as the bear”, emphasized in a press release issued today by Callisto.

It is emphasized that the bear in Greece is a fully protected species, according to Greek and international legislation. The species, as well as its habitat, are protected by the Forest Code, but also by the Habitats Directive (92/43/EU), the Berne Convention and the Washington Convention (CITES). According to the Red Book of endangered animals of Greece (2009), the bear is classified as an Endangered Species. Please note that killing or injuring a bear is a criminal offence.