French Hunter on Trial for Killing Endangered Bear in Pyrenees

The case centers on whether the killing of a breeding female bear was justified self-defense or a breach of conservation laws.

André Rives, 81, is accused of killing a protected female brown bear, Caramelles, in 2021 while boar-hunting in the Pyrenees.
Rives claims he acted in self-defense after the bear attacked him, dragging him and causing serious leg injuries.
The bear was killed 400 meters outside an authorized hunting area, with 15 other hunters also facing related charges.
Animal rights activists argue the death of a breeding female bear threatens the species’ survival and question the self-defense claim.
The trial, which has drawn public demonstrations from both hunters and conservationists, is set to conclude on Wednesday.