Opinion piece reflects on animal rights and human danger through cases of Freya the walrus and JJ4 the bear

An opinion article by Vieri Peroncini for MifacciodiCultura, published on Artspecialday on April 14, 2026, critiques societal attitudes toward animals deemed dangerous, referencing the lethal injection of Freya, a walrus in a fjord, and concerns over the bear JJ4. It notes online debate highlighting that Italy recorded one bear attack death since 1977, compared to 90 hunting accident deaths in the 2021-22 season alone. The author shares a personal anecdote of being shot at by a hunter in Friuli-Venezia Giulia's woods. A viral meme comparing bear fears to dangers outside Milan's Central Station is criticized for racism against marginalized people. The piece questions definitions of danger, citing Amazon deforestation, security decrees, and cuts to pensions, healthcare, and education as greater threats. It mentions Antonio from Simone Cristicchi's work as a reference for animal and mental health issues, and alludes to Kiska. The article concludes by asserting greater perceived danger in urban settings like Piazza Oberdan 6 than in ancient forests like Tarvisio.