Fact Check: Lithuanian Authorities Face Backlash for Issuing a Kill Permit for the Bear
What We Know
In June 2025, a young female brown bear wandered into the suburbs of Vilnius, Lithuania, causing significant public interest and concern. The Lithuanian government issued a permit for the bear to be shot, citing potential threats to public safety. However, this decision faced immediate backlash from local hunters and conservationists. The Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen expressed shock at the government's order, emphasizing that the bear was non-aggressive and merely lost in the city. They noted that there are only about five to ten brown bears remaining in Lithuania, making the species vulnerable and protected under both Lithuanian and EU law (AP News, ABC News).
The deputy environment minister, Ramūnas Krugelis, defended the permit as a precautionary measure, stating it was issued in case the bear posed a threat to residents (UNN, Newser). Despite the government's stance, hunters proposed a more humane approach, suggesting that the bear could be tranquilized and relocated instead of killed (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Lithuanian authorities faced backlash for issuing a kill permit for the bear is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The backlash was notably articulated by the Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen, whose administrator, Ramutė Juknytė, described the bear as "a beautiful young female" who did not deserve to be shot (ABC News). This sentiment reflects a broader concern for wildlife conservation, especially given the bear's protected status.
The government’s justification for the kill permit was based on a precautionary principle, which is a common rationale in wildlife management, especially when human safety is perceived to be at risk. However, the refusal of local hunters to comply with this order indicates a significant divide between governmental policy and local conservationist sentiment. The hunters' proposal for a non-lethal approach suggests that there are viable alternatives to culling that could have been pursued (UNN, Newser).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including major news outlets such as the Associated Press and ABC News, which are known for their journalistic integrity. The information presented is consistent across multiple reports, reinforcing the reliability of the claims made.
Conclusion
The claim that Lithuanian authorities faced backlash for issuing a kill permit for the bear is True. The issuance of the permit led to significant public outcry, particularly from local hunters who opposed the decision on ethical and conservation grounds. The situation highlights the complexities involved in wildlife management, especially regarding protected species and public safety.
