-
Are changes to flight compensation rules on the way in France?
European MPs set to debate changes to sector
-
Heat pumps three times more efficient than oil or gas boilers, French study reveals
Pumps could be an economical and ecologically sound heating solution
-
France’s 2026 draft budget: what it means for you
Freeze on pensions, benefits, and income tax bands among measures proposed - as well as changes to the ALD long-term illness system and school tax benefits
Farmers in French Pyrenees try to scare bears to Spain
Farmers and hunters in the French Pyrenees have attempted to move two female bears towards the Spanish side of the border using “scare tactics”.

According to reports, this weekend around 100 shepherds, farmers, hunters, and local government members from the Ossau valley, and surrounding areas, met up in the mountains in an attempt to move away two female brown bears that had just been released.
The gendarmerie confirmed that “some” farmers, hunters and ministers “had started a battle of scare tactics in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques”.
Two female bears, who it is hoped will give birth in 2019, were released into the Pyrenees on Thursday and Friday.
According to the farmers, the presence of bears is not compatible with farming. Bears - whose diet is usually 70% vegetables and plants - may attack goats, and even cause dozens of animals to fall down the mountain as they try to escape if a bear is chasing them.
Jean-Pierre Chourrout-Pourtalet, mayor of Sarrance (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), said: “The idea is to scare the bears and the wolves and maintain movement. The idea is to make the bears go towards Spain.”
But he added: “Officially, they are just people who are setting off on a mountain walk.”
In contrast, some farmers have come out to argue for cohabitation with bears.
The animals - originally from Slovenia - are being reintroduced into the Pyrenees following a promise by minister for ecological transition, Nicolas Hulot.
The move comes after the European Union condemned France in 2012 for neglecting its obligations to protect the bear species.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France