Hunters try to kill bears with mattress

Police in Norrbotten in northern Sweden are investigating an attempt to kill bears by fooling them into eating a blood-soaked mattress, causing a slow death by starvation due to constipation. The police were informed of the macabre plan after the blood-soaked bedding was found in the forests near Jarhois outside of Pajala, apparently intended as bait.

"According to what we know, if a bear eats this then it would not be able to eat anything else and die of starvation," said Erik Kummu at Norrbotten police. Kummu explained that the bear would suffer a long, painful death in the process. "One can question the faculties of someone who is so cruel as to cause an animal such suffering which could continue for several weeks," he said.

The gruesome find was made by the landowner and another man who held the lease for hunting rights in the area. The pair then reported the matter to the police. As police continue their hunt for the suspected perpetrators, it has been established that they used a four wheel quad bike to transport the bloodied bedding into the forest.

"Police from Övertorneå have been out at the location and found the tracks. Police have also used a helicopter to search the area," Erik Kumm said. Police have classified the case as attempted aggravated criminal hunting and aggravated animal cruelty.