Overview

• On July 8 the Ministry of the Environment released detailed procedures for emergency bear shootings in city living areas.
• The guidelines stipulate that firearms can only be authorized once a bear has entered human daily spaces such as buildings or parks.
• Required safety measures include closing off the area, evacuating residents and establishing secure backstops before any firing.
• From September 1 municipal mayors will have the authority to approve urban bear culling under the amended Wildlife Protection and Hunting Law.
• The ministry will conduct explanatory briefings for local authorities to ensure full understanding of roles and protocols before autumn’s rise in bear incursions.