Warning issued after bears reported in Rīga suburb

The responsible services are currently checking the area to verify the veracity of the information provided, the council said. "Since the movement of wild animals in urban areas can pose risks to both people and the animals themselves, the municipality calls on residents to exercise caution and, if they notice a bear, not to approach it. The responsible services are currently checking the area to verify the veracity of the information provided," the city council said in a statement. The municipality also urges people not to spread unverified information on social networks – while doing so itself, it might be argued. Bears do occasionally appear in cities in Latvia, as evidenced by this recent visitor to Jēkabpils. If you spot a bear or other large wild animal in the city, residents are urged to immediately inform the State Police by calling 112. However, if you happen to encounter a bear in the city, Riga Municipality recommends: do not approach the bear and do not try to photograph or film it from a close distance; do not feed the animal or try to scare it away; stay calm and slowly back away without running; do not allow children to approach the animal; keep dogs on a leash – a dog running free can provoke a bear; if you are in a car, do not get out of it, and let the animal leave unhindered; if possible, warn other people in the area; It is important not to leave food scraps, open garbage containers, etc. in easily accessible areas that may attract bears or other animals.