Else Beekman
The Provincial Court of Palencia has upheld a two-year prison sentence and a €17,505.95 fine for a man found guilty of killing a brown bear in November 2020. Additionally, he faces a four-year hunting ban.
The incident occurred during a wild boar hunt in Ventanilla, within the protected Montaña Palentina nature reserve. The man shot a female bear that was with her cub. Despite extensive search efforts, the cub was never found. The court convicted the man of a crime against wildlife.
Reason for conviction
The court determined there was ample evidence for the conviction. The shot was fired from around 40 metres without necessary precautions. The man did not use a sight, despite knowing he was in a bear-populated area. The court emphasised that as an experienced hunter and team leader, he should have been aware of the risks involved.
Financial penalties
Besides the prison term, the man must pay a fine to the Junta de Castilla y León. This amount is half of what the prosecutor and the Fundación Oso Pardo (FOP) originally demanded. The court also partially blamed the government for allowing hunting during a prohibited period.
Reactions and appeal
Despite an appeal from the defence, the conviction was confirmed. The court upheld the ruling from the Juzgado de lo Penal of Palencia.
Brown bear population in Spain
According to recent counts, there are approximately 370 brown bears in Spain. They are primarily found in the mountainous regions of the northwest and the Pyrenees. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting Spain’s wildlife.
Also read: Success of brown bear in Spain