Yet another road accident involving a brown bear was recorded on Sunday, August 3, in northern Greece at the 5th kilometer of the Amyntaio–Kastoria road. The incident highlights the danger wildlife face on Greek roads and the continual risks Greece’s protected brown bears face, despite numerous interventions.
Environmental organization ARCTUROS posted an image of the dead bear on facebook, noting in Greek that the incident “tragically highlights the vulnerability of the species.”
ARCTUROS says that it was immediately notified of the incident by the Greek police and went to the scene of the accident, but the driver already left the scene.
A Threat to Biodiversity and the Need for Action
The recent incident underscores the urgent need for stricter wildlife protection measures, especially in areas where large mammals frequently cross. Notably, the European LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors program is being implemented in the area, with Arcturos participating as a partner. The program aims to protect bear migration corridors and reduce the number of accidents.
ARCTUROS also reported another road accident involving a bear on the evening of Friday, August 1st, on the Egnatia Highway near Lefkopetra. ARCTUROS’ Emergency Response Team, which operates with its own resources, arrived at the scene and, together with representatives of Egnatia Odos, ensured the safe removal of the dead animal from the roadway and its burial.
