Overview

• 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.