Bear attacks on livestock have become a daily occurrence in the Nevrokopi area of northern Greece, causing growing fear among local communities.
A livestock farmer in the area told MEGA that he has lost more than 200 sheep in the attacks. According to the farmer, cameras operated by the environmental organization Callisto have confirmed the presence of numerous bears in the area.
“Bears have started entering all the villages. I’ve lost more than 200 animals,” he said. “They’ve been caught on Callisto’s cameras. An older bear, one that is over 10 years old, will take one animal and leave. Younger bears, around 7 or 8 years old, treat killing like play, like a game.”
The situation has significantly disrupted daily life for residents of surrounding villages, who avoid going out after dusk for fear of a potentially dangerous encounter with bears. The animals are searching for easily accessible food because of a shortage of plant-based food in their natural habitat.
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Livestock farmers are calling for stronger measures to safely move the bears away from populated areas and protect their herds.