Residents of the Šula neighborhood in Pljevlja are afraid to go mushroom picking this year due to an increased number of bears in the mountainous areas. Mushroom and other forest fruit picking is an important source of additional income for many families, especially pensioners, who use the money to buy firewood and food supplies for winter. Bears are increasingly appearing near settlements, and residents live in fear, threatening their economic survival. Hunters confirm that bears have been seen near roads, and damage to beekeepers further complicates the situation. Although bears are a strictly protected species, experts call for urgent systemic measures, including educating the population and possibly regulating the bear population if necessary.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the human and economic impact on vulnerable local communities, highlighting the fear and hardship faced by pensioners and families relying on forest products for survival. They call for humane and sustainable solutions that balance wildlife protection with community safety and economic needs.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts about the increased bear presence and its impact on local residents, focusing on the need for balanced measures including education, monitoring, and possible population control, while respecting the protected status of bears. They stress the importance of systemic and scientific approaches.
Right: Right-leaning narratives focus on the challenges posed by wildlife to human activities and property, emphasizing the need for stricter control and regulation of bear populations to protect local livelihoods and safety. They may criticize insufficient government action and call for stronger measures to prioritize human interests.
