In one more disturbing incident of wildlife violence, a young brown bear was found shot dead near the northern Greek town of Kastoria earlier this week.
The 2.5-year-old male bear, weighing approximately 60 kilograms (130lbs), was discovered by locals in the Lithia-Touneou area on Monday. They immediately alerted the local Forestry Department and wildlife protection agency Kallisto.
Officials from Kallisto confirmed that the animal had died from gunshot wounds. The Forestry Department has called for an official investigation into the killing, which is a criminal offense under Greek law.
The brown bear (Ursus arctos), native to the Greek countryside, is classified as “endangered” in the Red Book of Endangered Animals of Greece, published in 2009. Its protection is mandated by both national legislation and European environmental directives.
“Poaching continues to be a major problem and poses a serious threat to protected species such as the brown bear,” Kallisto said in a statement.
Citizens who notice a bear near residential areas are urged to immediately contact the local Forestry Department and the Police.
This latest incident adds to growing concerns about animal abuse in Greece. Just last week, two dead sea turtles were washed ashore: one in the port town of Rafina, outside Athens, and another in Thessaloniki, both showing signs of human-inflicted harm.
Wildlife conservation groups are calling for increased surveillance, stricter law enforcement, and greater public awareness to prevent further harm to Greece’s already fragile ecosystems and endangered species.
