Bear Attack in Italian Alps Sparks Debate on Rewilding and Public Safety

Franca Gherardini, a resident of Caldes, a village nestled in the Brenta Dolomites of northern Italy's Trentino province, used to find solace in the breathtaking views from her home. However, the once-cherished scenery now brings her immense pain, a constant reminder of the tragic loss of her son, Andrea Papi.

Andrea, a 26-year-old aspiring mountain sports scientist, was killed by a brown bear in April 2022, marking a turning point in the ongoing debate surrounding the reintroduction of these animals into the region. The rewilding project, initiated 25 years ago, aimed to restore the dwindling brown bear population in the Adamello Brenta nature park.

The project initially garnered praise from conservationists, but the rapid growth of the bear population and their increasing presence in inhabited areas sparked public concern. Bears began preying on livestock, rummaging through bins, and venturing closer to human settlements, raising fears for public safety and the local economy.

The community of Val di Sole, where Andrea's tragic encounter occurred, has expressed a resounding disapproval of the bears' presence. A recent consultative ballot organized by a committee established in Andrea's memory revealed that 98% of the residents no longer tolerate the animals, deeming them a threat.

The committee, along with many residents, advocates for a scientific assessment to determine the territory's carrying capacity for bears and the culling of those deemed dangerous. They believe this approach, similar to Switzerland's policy, is necessary to ensure the safety of both humans and the remaining bear population.

While animal rights groups view the ballot as a misleading attempt to sway public opinion, authorities acknowledge the need for action. The provincial government has pledged to implement strategies to minimize human-bear interactions, including the installation of bear-proof bins, the use of deterrent measures, and public education campaigns.

However, for Andrea's family, the actions taken are too little, too late. They hold the provincial president and the local mayor accountable for their son's death and seek justice through legal means. The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the community, highlighting the complex challenges associated with rewilding initiatives and the delicate balance between human safety and wildlife conservation.