Compensation Awarded After Death of Juan Carrito the Bear

An Italian motorist has received EUR18,000 in compensation after accidentally killing a well-known brown bear named Juan Carrito in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The agreement was reached in a civil court in Sulmona, where the 33-year-old driver settled with the regional authorities for EUR15,000 in damages and EUR3,000 for legal fees.

The incident occurred on January 23, 2023, when the man's vehicle struck the bear while it was crossing a road near Castel di Sangro. Emergency services were called, and although the bear was attended to by veterinary personnel, it succumbed to its injuries shortly after the accident. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was subsequently declared a total loss.

According to the Carabinieri report, the road conditions at the time were poor due to rain, and visibility was further compromised by fog. The driver was reportedly traveling at a moderate speed, and there were no warning signs indicating the potential for wildlife crossings in the area. This lack of signage contributed to the region's decision to compensate the driver.

Following the incident, the driver faced severe backlash on social media from animal rights advocates who condemned his actions. In response, he has announced plans to file lawsuits against several individuals who defamed him on his Facebook page regarding the bear's death.

Juan Carrito gained significant attention on social media for his escapades in the village of Roccaraso in the Apennine region of Italy. Weighing approximately 150 kg, the four-year-old bear was known for his antics, which included breaking into a local pastry shop and a renowned three-star restaurant in search of food.

Prior to his death, Juan Carrito had been spotted multiple times wandering through Roccaraso, where he was seen eating chickens and climbing fruit trees. In efforts to manage his behavior, authorities had previously captured him, sedated him, and relocated him to a distant area. However, he managed to return to Roccaraso, demonstrating a strong attachment to the community.

Juan Carrito was a Marsican brown bear, a subspecies currently facing significant threats, with only about 50 individuals remaining compared to approximately 100 in 1980. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of coexistence between wildlife and residents in mountainous regions, a topic that is particularly relevant in Trentino-South Tyrol as well.