Two 16-month old bear cubs who
survived the winter have been confirmed as the orphaned
offspring of well-known bruin Daniza.
Genetic testing confirmed the pair, weighing an estimated
40 kg to 60 kg, hibernated for at least part of the winter, from
mid-November until mid-March, said Trento forestry officials.
Experts stress the importance of not approaching the young
bears or offering them food as they must learn to survive on
their own and to fear humans.
Their mother Daniza had become famous as a rare example of
brown bears slowly re-inhabiting the forested areas of Italy's
far north.
But she was killed last fall after an overdose in a
tranquillizer dart after she slapped a mushroom picker who came
between her and her cubs.
"Especially at this stage of their lives, it is extremely
important that they maintain the natural distrust of man to
maximize their chance of survival", forestry officials said.
It is hoped that as many as seven new litters of bears
containing 12 cubs now being monitored in Trentino will survive.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
