Environment Ministry: Hysteria Led by PS Not Based on Scientific Knowledge

Bratislava, January 8 (TASR) - No one is calling for the widespread hunting of wolves, the Environment Ministry's communications department has stated in response to Tuesday's press conference by the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party. "The hysteria led by Progressive Slovakia and some activists in Slovakia regarding the management of wolves and bears isn't based on scientific knowledge, nor does it reflect the stance of other EU-member states," said the ministry, adding that the rules designate areas in which wolves can be hunted and exclude areas of European significance and national parks from quota-based hunting. According to the ministry, several expert studies have confirmed that the wolf population in Slovakia is on the rise, with this predator causing significant damage to livestock. Growing damage is mainly being reported by those most affected - farmers and sheep and goat breeders. A new decree allowing wolf hunting in Slovakia came into effect on January 1, with hunting permitted until January 15 in the 2025 season, and a quota of 74 wolves set for this season by the Agriculture Ministry. PS claimed that wolf culling may be illegal, stating that the legal regulation is confusing and there is suspicion that wolves are being hunted in protected areas. lin/df