The Polish Sejm passed legislation Friday allowing hunters to use non-lethal ammunition to deter bears and bison, aiming to improve public safety.
New Law Permits Non-Lethal Deterrence
The Sejm approved a law enabling hunters to deter bears and bison using smoothbore firearms with non-penetrating ammunition. The changes are intended to enhance the safety of residents in affected municipalities.
The bill passed with 260 votes in favor, 6 against, and 166 abstentions, and will now proceed to the Senate.
Legislative Background and Scope
The legislation is an amendment to the Act on Animal Protection, proposed by the Polska 2050 party. It allows for the dispersal of brown bears or bison, with permission from the Regional Director for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ), using smoothbore firearms and non-penetrating ammunition – including rubber bullets – by licensed hunters, as authorized by permit.
Rising Bear Population in Bieszczady Mountains
The bill’s proponents highlighted the increasing brown bear population in the Bieszczady Mountains, leading to more frequent encounters with bears near settlements as they search for food. They emphasized the need to discourage bears from approaching homes in search of sustenance.
Local Concerns and Existing Methods
Many municipalities have reported a lack of adequately trained personnel and equipment to effectively deter large and potentially dangerous animals like bears and bison. Research from the Białowieża Forest indicates that bison generally flee from humans, with attacks often resulting from close proximity or improper dispersal techniques.
Protected Species and Permitting Requirements
The bill’s authors stressed that both bears and bison are protected species, and any intervention in their populations must be preceded by appropriate authorization from the relevant nature conservation authority, typically the RDOŚ.
Justification for Stronger Deterrents
Previously, dispersal efforts relied on gas weapons with rubber bullets up to 17 Joules, which were deemed insufficient. The legislation proposes using more powerful smoothbore firearms with rubber bullets, a method already successfully employed in Tatra National Park.
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