Growing bear population raises safety concerns in Northern Greece
Northern Greece is facing growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict as the country's protected brown bear population continues to rise, leading to more encounters with residents, damage to farms and renewed calls for stronger safety measures.
A 2025 survey recorded around 900 brown bears in Greece, nearly double the number counted six years ago following decades of conservation efforts and hunting bans.
Authorities in the western region of Kastoria have received more than 300 reports of bears entering residential areas this year, with residents describing frequent sightings in villages, public squares and near schools.
Residents seek action
The increase in bear activity has sparked public concern, with more than 2,000 people joining a local campaign urging authorities to address the issue.
Farmers and beekeepers have also reported growing losses from damaged crops, livestock and beehives, while some residents say they fear leaving their homes after several close encounters. A recent incident left one villager with minor injuries.
Illegal killings condemned
Wildlife organizations Arcturos and Callisto reported that three bears were found dead in Western Macedonia in June, including two believed to have been shot and another suspected of dying after consuming poisoned bait.
Conservation groups condemned the killings, stressing that lethal methods are illegal and urging authorities to focus on prevention, public awareness and non-lethal deterrence.
Balancing conservation and public safety
Experts say bears are increasingly moving into populated areas because of habitat changes, reduced natural food sources, land-use changes and the decline of traditional farming activities that once discouraged wildlife from approaching settlements.
Arcturos Director Alexandros Karamanlidis said Greece's conservation policies have successfully restored bear populations but warned that authorities must now focus on managing growing interactions between humans and wildlife to reduce future conflicts.
Source:turkiyetoday
