The number of bears has increased continuously over the last few years; according to monitoring data they number around 700. Taken into consideration when setting the bear hunting limit are the recommendations of the Estonian Environment Information Centre, which are based on wild game monitoring results and which take into account, among other things, the size of the population and incidents of damage caused by bears. This type of regulation helps to ensure the favourable condition of the population and the expansion of their range, and to keep damages at an optimal level. In addition, the large predator protection and management organisation workgroup, formed by the Minister of the Environment, provides its own assessment. The terms and conditions for the distribution and organisation of hunting volume by hunting areas are designated by the Environmental Board. In 2009, a total of EUR 10 161 has been paid in the form of compensation for economic damage caused by bears, primarily for the destruction of beehives. In 2010, the amount was EUR 12 846. |
