Fact Check: Lithuanian hunters refuse government order to kill a protected bear.

Fact Check: Lithuanian hunters refuse government order to kill a protected 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 precautionary measures in case the bear posed a threat to public safety. However, this decision was met with strong opposition from the Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen, which expressed shock at the government's order and refused to carry it out. The association's administrator, Ramutė Juknytė, emphasized that the bear was not aggressive and merely lost in the city, stating, “She was scared but not aggressive. She just didn’t know how to escape the city but she didn’t do anything bad” (AP News). The association noted that there are only about five to ten bears remaining in Lithuania, making the species particularly vulnerable and protected under both Lithuanian and EU law (CTV News).

Analysis

The claim that Lithuanian hunters refused a government order to kill a protected bear is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Associated Press, ABC News, and CTV News all report on the hunters' refusal and the reasons behind it, highlighting the rarity of the bear population in Lithuania and the hunters' preference for a humane approach to the situation, such as sedation and relocation (AP News, ABC News, CTV News).

The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The information is corroborated across several reports, indicating a consensus on the events that unfolded. The hunters' association's stance reflects a broader concern for wildlife conservation, especially given the historical context of bear populations in Lithuania, which were nearly eradicated in the 19th century due to hunting and habitat loss (AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that Lithuanian hunters refused a government order to kill a protected bear is True. The evidence from multiple reputable news sources confirms that the hunters opposed the government's decision, advocating instead for a humane resolution to the situation involving the bear. Their refusal highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife management and conservation in Lithuania, particularly concerning protected species.

Fact Check: Lithuanian hunters refuse government order to kill a protected bear.