In Albania, a death initially attributed to a bear attack was revealed, following an investigation, to be a homicide, with the victim’s wife and son arrested. Once again, this case highlights how readily public opinion accepts the idea that a wild animal is responsible for a human death, even before any credible evidence has been presented.

The initial account was easily believed by many because wildlife has become deeply ingrained in the minds of many people as a threat — an unpredictable and dangerous enemy capable of explaining almost anything. The demonization of wildlife is not merely a matter of media sensationalism. It fuels fear, legitimizes hostility towards nature, and turns animals into easy scapegoats.

For this reason, before citizens or media outlets circulate claims about wild animals being involved in deaths, injuries, or damage, such claims must first be subjected to scientific investigation and fact-checking by experts. The uncritical spread of misinformation is not simply a matter of poor reporting. It fuels fear, fosters hostility, and can put wildlife itself at serious risk.