Dead bear from poisoned baits in Avdella, Grevena
Another dead bear after consuming poisoned bait was found in advanced decomposition in the area of the village of Avdella in the prefecture of Grevena, within the North Pindos National Park. Residents of the area informed “Kallisto”, Environmental Organization for Wildlife and Nature and the Management Unit of the North Pindos National Park.
At the same time, the MD of the OP North. In the same time, the EP Pindos was notified of another case of poisoned bait use in the area of the Municipal Community of Aetomilitsa of Ioannina where a Golden Eagle and small mammals were found dead, while 193 poisoned baits were detected in the area of Olympus by the Special Units for the Detection of Poisoned Baits of OFYPEKA.
In the first two incidents, the Special Poison Detection Dog Unit of the OPB was informed. Pindos (OFYPEKA) as well as the mixed Immediate Intervention Team for the bear (Callisto/Northern Pindos EP) for immediate autopsy, collection of samples for toxicological analysis and the collection and destruction of other poisoned baits remaining in the area.
The devastating consequences of illegal use of poison baits have become one of the main threats to biodiversity and protected species. The consequences affect both wildlife and working animals, such as Guard Dogs (GHDs). To combat this illegal and pernicious practice of using poisoned baits, which affects both wildlife and public health, concerted efforts are being made by Environmental Organisations in collaboration with the relevant agencies.
Callisto, within the framework of the LIFE ARCPROM project, intervenes in the region, together with other project partners. Within the framework of LIFE ARCPROM, a canine detection unit for the detection of poisoned baits is operating and first aid kits against poisoning are produced and disseminated.
The LIFE ARCPROM project aims to improve the coexistence of brown bears and humans in three National Parks in Greece (Prespes, Pindos, Rhodope Mountains) and in one in Italy (Majella). The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is an endangered species and is classified as a “priority species”, being fully protected by European legislation. The conservation status of the species in Greece is classified as ‘endangered’, while the subspecies of the Apennine brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus) found in the Majella National Park is classified as ‘critically endangered’.