Maybe they're returning after 100 years . http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4720185.stm

Looks like the bear was sighted on the Swiss side of the border as well. For years, people have been wondering whether the bears from the Italien province of Trentino would cross into Switzerland? In particular into the area in and surrounding the Swiss National park bordering Italy. Maybe it will stick around?? Bears from Slovenia started the re-poulation of bears in Austria much the same way. I'm sure all the bee-keepers and shepherds will be thrilled, just like they have been with wolves crossing over from Italy. But as a nature phenomenon, it is naturally a good thing.
- mike

The bear (just arrived in Switzerland) just ate its first calf... It won't be long, and we'll have the same situation as in the States. The city slickers, who largely interact with nature through a TV-set, will think the bear is cuddly, and it should be preserved at all costs. The people who have to live with reality of the bear (loss of livestock etc, in spite of compensation), will be somewhat less enthusiastic....

- mike

Mho

I hope the bears will settle in Zürich, Bern, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne

Cheers
/JOHAN

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
The bear (just arrived in Switzerland) just ate its first calf... It won't be long, and we'll have the same situation as in the States. The city slickers, who largely interact with nature through a TV-set, will think the bear is cuddly, and it should be preserved at all costs. The people who have to live with reality of the bear (loss of livestock etc, in spite of compensation), will be somewhat less enthusiastic....

- mike

Some natural losses are inevitable if living with nature. In the EU I think the compensation may be more than the real value of the farming activity anyway.