Compensation for damage caused by bears and lynx for farmers from next year

From next year, farmers will be reimbursed for damages caused by wolves, brown bears and lynxes to farm animals, in addition to the damage caused by wolves, under the Environmental Protection Support Programme.

On 30 June this year, the Seimas adopted amendments to the law initiated by the Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Linas Jonauskas.

„Hunters estimate that there may be as many as 30 bears in Lithuania at present. Meanwhile, the number of lynx is estimated at around 150. The damage caused by these predators to farmers and their livestock is increasing, so compensation is a timely step," said L. Jonauskas.

ELTA recalls that the debate among politicians on bear damage has intensified after sightings of a roaming bear in the capital, Vilnius and Molėtai districts this year.

In light of the recent increase in the number of visits by wild beasts to cities, politicians have decided to change legislation and review the algorithms for responding to such incidents.