Bear Sightings in Lombardy Trigger Intensified Patrols Between Val Camonica and Alto Garda

Provincial police in Brescia have stepped up controls after recent bear sightings and evidence of their presence, with 89 reports logged last year across areas from Alto Garda to Valcamonica. Some specimens were identified through the collection and cataloguing of genetic evidence, while activity has been concentrated mainly in mountainous zones.

In recent days, under the coordination of the Lombardy Region and the supervision of official Daniela Grande, a training day involved 15 agents in practical exercises led by veterinarian Roberto Guadagnini and sergeant Paolo Zanghellini. The session focused on interpreting critical situations, capture methods (including tube traps and remote immobilisation), and procedures for applying GPS radio collars—an operation deemed unnecessary so far anywhere in the region.

Authorities also reviewed the option of using a tube trap for monitoring and genetic sampling. Since the start of this year, 50 reports have been recorded, consistent with 2025 figures, alongside sightings and camera-trap detections, incursions near hunting blinds in Valsabbia, Valcamonica and Valtrompia, damage to three apiaries in Alta Valcamonica, and the predation of two donkeys in Alta Valsabbia.
Italian Version