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

Fact Check: Lithuanian hunters refuse to kill a protected bear despite government permit

What We Know

In June 2025, a young female bear wandered into the suburbs of Vilnius, Lithuania, causing a significant public stir. The Lithuanian government issued a permit for the bear to be shot, citing safety concerns. However, this decision was met with strong opposition from local hunters. The Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen expressed shock at the government's order, emphasizing the bear's status as a protected species and the small population of bears in Lithuania, estimated to be between five to ten individuals (AP News, Washington Post).

The association's administrator, Ramutė Juknytė, described the bear as a "beautiful young female" who was frightened but not aggressive, suggesting that a more humane approach, such as sedation and relocation, should be considered (CTV News, AP News). Ultimately, the bear left the city on its own and was later spotted peacefully foraging in a forest (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Lithuanian hunters refused to kill a protected bear despite a government permit is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and CTV News both reported on the hunters' refusal and their rationale, highlighting the hunters' awareness of the bear's protected status and the small population size in Lithuania (AP News, CTV News).

The Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen is a reputable organization that represents the interests of hunters in Lithuania, lending credibility to their statements regarding the bear's situation. Their proposal for a humane solution indicates a commitment to wildlife conservation, which aligns with the legal protections afforded to bears under Lithuanian and EU law (AP News, Washington Post).

The government’s decision to issue a kill permit was framed as a precautionary measure, but the backlash from the hunting community suggests a significant divide between governmental policy and public sentiment regarding wildlife management. The refusal to act on the permit reflects a broader ethical consideration among hunters about the treatment of wildlife, particularly species that are rare and vulnerable (CTV News, AP News).

Conclusion

The claim that Lithuanian hunters refused to kill a protected bear despite a government permit is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the hunters opposed the government's directive, citing the bear's protected status and the small population of bears in Lithuania. Their refusal highlights a commitment to conservation and ethical treatment of wildlife, which is crucial in discussions about human-wildlife interactions.

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