Cigler King: I can't ignore the consequences that the overpopulation of bears is having on farmers

Minister for Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj has called for active population management of brown bears, citing growing concerns over their impact on farmers and local communities. In a statement released on July 17, 2026, he emphasized that the increasing number of bears poses significant challenges to agricultural activities and public safety. The minister, who is responsible for Slovenian agriculture, stated that he cannot ignore the consequences of the expanding bear population, which have led to rising incidents of damage and conflicts with humans. The decision to continue implementing the decision regarding the removal of brown bears for the years 2025 and 2026 was welcomed by Cigler Kralj. He urged the relevant ministry to prepare a new decision for the year 2027. According to officials at the ministry, the current population of brown bears exceeds the reference level of approximately 800 individuals, which is considered necessary for long-term sustainable management. Without the continuation of the removal process, the population could grow further, thereby increasing the risk of harmful encounters and damage to property. Farmers, agricultural organizations, and local communities have increasingly voiced complaints due to the rising numbers of bears and more frequent conflicts with large predators. These issues are particularly pronounced in areas such as Kočevje, Pivka, Ilirska Bistra, Brkinov, and the broader Dinaric region. The Ministry of Agriculture noted that these problems are becoming more severe, affecting both human safety and the viability of farming operations. Cigler Kralj highlighted the importance of the brown bear as part of Slovenia’s natural heritage, yet he stressed that the overpopulation of the species is causing mounting difficulties for farmers and residents in affected regions. “Therefore, we need responsible, scientifically grounded, and timely population management that ensures the conservation of the species while guaranteeing the safety of people and maintaining conditions for continued farming,” he said. Brown bears cause the most damage in livestock farming and beekeeping, attacking small animals, cattle, and bee hives. They also damage fences, protective systems, and other agricultural infrastructure. While protective measures remain crucial, the ministry pointed out that they alone are insufficient for effective coexistence between humans and large predators. Therefore, these measures must be supplemented with active population management strategies. The ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, assessing the effectiveness of existing interventions and planning future actions. With the upcoming preparation of a new decision for 2027, there is anticipation for more structured and coordinated efforts to manage the bear population. This includes potential changes in policy, increased collaboration with environmental agencies, and enhanced support for affected communities. As the summer progresses, the focus will remain on balancing wildlife conservation with the practical needs of rural populations.