Escaped bear shot and killed

RIGA - Even after found by Ligatne Nature Trails workers, bear Made continued to wander through the local forests and no treats could convince her to return to the enclosure, which is why, based on experts’ recommendations and the threat that the bear posed to local residents, a decision was taken to shoot and kill the animal, Ligatne Nature Trails head Janis Andrusaitis told LETA.

The escaped bear was found in the afternoon in a local farmstead, the animal looked worried and nervous. Despite Ligatne Nature Trails workers’ attempts to talk the bear into going back to her enclosure and the treats she was offered, the bear made it clear that she would not go back.

To successfully use a tranquilizer gun, shots must be fired from within ten meters from the animal. Given the nervousness of the bear, this option had to be discarded and, taking into account the threat that the bear posed to local residents, and after consulting experts, it was decided that hunters would have to kill the bear, which they eventually did shortly before dark.

As reported, this past Sunday, a bear once again escaped from her enclosure at the Ligatne Nature Trails (northeastern Latvia). Its name is Made - the same bear that escaped at the park last August.

Made used the same "tactic" as last time to get out of her enclosure - digging a deep hole underneath a metal fence.

As bears living in the trails are used to the presence of humans, their instinct of fear is less strong than wild bears.

Encountering such a bear is extremely dangerous.

LETA also reported, using honey and other goodies to attract the bear, the park's rangers were able to lure Made animal back to her home last August.