Assessment Work on Threats Posed by Bears Underway, Ministry of Environment

In response to reports regarding damages caused by brown bears to residents of communities, the Ministry of Environment has announced that the issue is under the ministry's attention.

Studies on the behavior of brown bear populations and discussions on ways to mitigate the threats posed to residents and their livelihoods are currently under the purview of a working group addressing the "Human-Wildlife Conflict" issue. Efforts are being made to find possible solutions, including assessments of the distribution and population of bears as well as evaluations of the threats posed by them.

Each reported incident has unique causes, and the solution to the problem must be comprehensive, balancing both environmental and social interests,” the statement read.

The ministry reminds that the brown bear (Ursus arctos) is listed in the Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia and is classified as "vulnerable" according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

According to Article 27 of the Law on Wildlife, the use of wild animals listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia, including their capture, is allowed only in exceptional cases for scientific research, educational, health, or for breeding purposes in artificial and natural conditions, with the permission of the competent state body authorized in the field of conservation, protection, use, and reproduction of wildlife, in accordance with the procedures established by the Government.

For killing a brown bear registered in the Red Book of the Republic of Armenia, the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia provides for liability, including fines of 400-600 times the minimum wage or imprisonment for 2-3 months, alongside restitution for damages amounting to 1-5 million drams.