Local authorities in the northern Italian Alps have killed a mother bear named KJ1, citing her as 'dangerous' following an attack on a French tourist.

DNA analysis confirmed KJ1's involvement in the attack on 43-year-old French hiker Vivien Triffaux, who was injured when the bear charged at him while he was near Lake Garda.

The decision to euthanize KJ1 was made after authorities deemed her a danger to public safety due to her previous encounters with humans.

The order for KJ1's tracking and killing was signed by Maurizio Fugatti, the governor of Trentino, who insisted on the culling after the attack.

This decision has sparked outrage among politicians, conservationists, and animal rights groups, who argue that KJ1's killing was unnecessary.

The International Organization for Animal Protection expressed dismay over the culling, highlighting previous legal attempts to prevent such actions.

Activists have criticized the decision, emphasizing that KJ1's three cubs are now left vulnerable and struggling for survival.

Animal rights groups are calling for European Union intervention in response to Trentino's plans to cull up to eight 'problematic' bears annually in the coming years.

The incident raises broader questions about bear management in Trentino, where bear attacks have increased since their reintroduction in 1999.

Italy's national environment minister, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, condemned the killing, stating that such actions are not a sustainable solution to human-wildlife conflicts.

Bear encounters with humans are common in Trentino, highlighted by a previous fatal attack last year, which has intensified concerns about coexistence.