Three bears found dead in northern Greece within 24 hours: two shot, one poisoned
Authorities are investigating after three bears were found dead in Florina and Kozani, two from gunshot wounds and one likely from poisoned bait.
Sequence of discoveries
Over a single 24‑hour period, three brown bears were found dead across the regions of Florina and Kozani in Western Macedonia, prompting a police and forestry investigation.
Adult male shot near corn field
The first incident involved an adult male bear, approximately 8 years old and weighing 170 kg. It was found on the Egnatia Odos highway (Florina‑Kozani section) after being shot three times (once in the neck, twice in the back). Reports indicate the bear had entered a nearby corn field searching for food and was fired upon there. Injured, it managed to walk only a few metres onto the motorway, where it was spotted by traffic police. The bear was initially conscious but died shortly afterward.
Young female likely poisoned
A second incident, also in Florina, involved a young female bear aged just 2 years. It was found dead in a forest area, and early indications point to death from consuming poisoned bait (known as φόλα or "fola"). Toxicological test results are pending to confirm the cause.
Third bear shot in the head in Kozani
The third case occurred in Pylori, a village in Voio municipality, Kozani. A 2.5‑year‑old male bear was discovered with three gunshot wounds to the head. The forest service of Tsotyli was alerted by a livestock farmer who reported hearing a gunshot; after a necropsy, the bear was buried by the responsible services. Forest official Theodoros Palamas stated that all evidence has been collected to build a case and an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrator or perpetrators. The conservation group Kallisto also issued a statement on the killing.
Investigation and response
The incidents have provoked concern among authorities and environmental organisations. Police and forestry departments are conducting inquiries. Poaching of bears, a protected species in Greece, remains a persistent problem. Arktouros, another bear conservation group, was cited in connection with the bear found on the highway, though no arrests have been reported.
