As Jēkabs Dzenis, the head of the Wildlife Protection Division of the Nature Protection Board, explained to LETA, the researchers still do not have any evidence of bear breeding in Latvia, but such a possibility has not been ruled out.
The number of bears in Latvia is growing, although there are no exact data on it. Dzenis pointed out that the number of reports of bears seen by people is increasing, and this is related to the availability of technologies, for example, video cameras are placed more often at animal feeders.
People are also more likely to stay in nature and actively report their observations on social networks.
Genetic analyzes have shown the presence of 30 bears in recent years, but the highest number of experts is currently estimated at up to 70 bears. Some of the animals inhabit territories that belong both to Latvia and to one of the neighboring countries, such as Estonia and Russia.
According to the Nature Protection Board, the number of bear damage to beekeepers is also increasing. If in 2018 eight applications were received for destroyed apiaries, then in 2019 the number of applications reached 29, but this year by the end of August the Nature Protection Board has already received 32 applications from beekeepers for compensation.
The decision has so far been taken in 12 cases and the estimated amount of compensation is 10,694 euros. Damage was found in Latgale and Vidzeme regions.
If a bear has caused damage to beekeeping, the landowner must apply to the Nature Protection Board, which will inspect the damage in nature and make a decision on the payment of compensation.
According to the administration, as the bear population recovers, it is very important to find timely solutions to conflicts, the experience of which has been extensively studied and described in regions where bears now live in man-made and maintained landscapes for a long time. Losses to beekeeping are just one of the foreseeable areas of human conflict over bears.
It is more difficult to create a positive attitude in society, which is influenced by fears and unfounded beliefs about predators, while also creating a safe system for preventing dangerous situations, including informing people about proper behavior that does not provoke predator aggression.
The Nature Protection Board informs that male bears can reach 300 kilograms and females – 200 kilograms. An adult bear runs at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour.
If you have encountered a bear, it is recommended that you do not try to approach, catch or touch it. Not only the adult animal but also its young must not be touched. You should try to leave the specific place as soon as possible, but you must not run away, but retreat backwards.
The bear must not look into the eyes, because the animal will perceive it as aggression. Be as quiet as possible until the pawn leaves the meeting place.
If you happen to encounter a daring bear that behaves unnaturally, you must report it to the Nature Protection Board when you get to safety.
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