'Dangerous' Monte Peller bear identified

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 3 - A bear that attacked two people last month on Monte Peller, in the Non Valley, has been identified thanks to DNA testing, the autonomous province of Trento's agriculture and forestry chief said on Friday.
    As a result, the search for the animal, so that it can be captured and eliminated in compliance with an order by provincial President Maurizio Fugatti, has begun.
    The bear was identified by the Fondazione Edmund Mach at San Michele all'Adige thanks to traces of DNA found on the clothes of the people who were attacked.
    The animal is a 14.year-old female that has been called Jj4.
    It has not yet been possible to ascertain whether it is accompanied by cubs.
    Environment Minister Sergio Costa has said that he is considering challenging the order to eliminate the bear.
    Costa said he considered the order to be an "impulsive decision" that does not contribute to maintaining "coexistence between man and wild fauna in Alpine environments".
    Animal-rights groups have said they will appeal to the regional administrative court (TAR) against the order in order to stop an "injustice".
    It is estimated that there are between 82 and 93 bears in the province, not including cubs.
    Fugatti, a member of the rightwing League party, said this is too many for co-existence with the people living in the area.
    (ANSA).