Bear Cub Killed in Traffic Accident on Egnatia Odos Highway

The tragic death of a young bear cub on the Egnatia Odos highway is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between human infrastructure and wildlife in Western Macedonia. This incident, which occurred on the Siatista-Krystallopigi axis, highlights the dangers faced by bears, particularly during spring and summer when they actively search for food after hibernation. Environmental organization "Kallisto" was alerted to the incident by the highway management company, underscoring the need for greater awareness and preventative measures.

This is not an isolated event. Traffic accidents involving wildlife have been a persistent problem in Western Macedonia for decades, leading to the loss of numerous bears and other animals. As bears expand their foraging range, often approaching human settlements in search of readily available food sources, the risk of such encounters increases. The organization "Kallisto" emphasizes that drivers traversing areas with rich biodiversity must exercise increased caution, reduce their speed, and remain vigilant, especially during seasons of heightened animal activity.

"Kallisto" has been actively working to mitigate these conflicts through projects like LIFE ARCTOS KASTORIA, LIFE AMYBEAR, and LIFE SAFE-CROSSING. These initiatives, undertaken in collaboration with authorities and other stakeholders, aim to minimize vehicle-wildlife collisions, thereby protecting both the animals and the safety of road users. The organization also provides crucial advice for drivers encountering bears on the road: remain in your vehicle, do not follow the animal, and do not accelerate. These guidelines are essential for preventing further tragedies and fostering a coexistence between humans and wildlife in the region.

“

In case we are in a vehicle and encounter a bear on the road: Remain inside it. Do not follow the bear if it continues to walk or run along the road. Do not accelerate.