Minister says he hopes killer bear can be moved

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 21 - Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin Putting said Friday that he hopes a bear that killed a man in the northern province of Trento this month can be transferred to a safe place for it and for humans rather than being put down.
    The female animal, JJ4, killed 26-year-old trail runner Andrea Papi on Mt Peller on April 5, making him the first Italian to be killed by a bear in modern times.
    He is thought to have run into her on a trail and she may have reacted because she perceived a threat to her three cubs.
    Trento Provincial President Maurizo Fugatti of the right-wing League party issued an order for JJ4 to be eliminated but this was suspended by a court pending an appeal by animal-rights groups, and a final court ruling is expected May 11.
    The bear was captured this week and taken to an animal centre, pending the court decision.
    "We are trying to find transfer solutions between now and May 11," Pichetto Fratin, who indicated this week that animal should be euthanised, told Rai radio.
    "I hope it is possible to find a transfer somewhere. Putting it down is not a solution". (ANSA).