Slovakia: Bear Meat for Sale and Consumption – Animal Rights Groups React

Bear meat will be available for sale following a government decision. Environmental and animal rights organizations have spoken out against what they call a ‘state-sponsored slaughter.’ The NGO ‘My sme les’ (‘We Are the Forest’) criticized on Wednesday (28.05.2025) the Slovakian government’s decision to approve the sale of bear meat, denouncing the ‘state-sponsored slaughter’ that offers meat from protected animals and encourages poaching. Environment Minister Filip Kufa, from the far-right SNS party, stated in a Facebook post that the state decided to approve the sale of bear meat because it is edible. This decision has been deemed ‘illogical’ by the NGO ‘My sme les,’ which emphasized that the Ministry responsible for protecting endangered species should not transform into a commercial slaughterhouse. Last month, the Slovakian coalition government gave the green light to kill 350 bears out of approximately 1,300 living in the country due to an increased number of attacks on humans. ‘We cannot live in a country where citizens fear going into the forest,’ said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Bears can only be killed in cases of attacks or property damage if relocation isn’t feasible. According to environmental groups, in 2024, 92 bears were legally killed in Slovakia, with another 52 dying in road accidents or by poachers. Brown bears are considered a protected species in Europe, though exceptions exist for hunting. Slovenia also permits the consumption of bear meat. The Slovakian government has committed to requiring certification proving that the animal was hunted according to current regulations. Additionally, the bear meat must undergo processing in compliance with health standards.