On Saturday, a report was received in Riga that a local resident allegedly spotted a bear in Mangalsala. After receiving the information, the Riga Municipal Police inspected the area mentioned but found neither the animal nor any traces of its presence. Nevertheless, city authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant. Although the report has not yet been confirmed, specialists remind that bears have been recorded in Latvia significantly more often in recent years, so such signals are checked particularly thoroughly. When encountering a bear, one should not approach it, attempt to feed it, or take pictures of it. It is also not recommended to run away or turn one's back on the animal. If an encounter does occur, specialists advise to calmly and slowly back away, avoiding sudden movements and direct eye contact. Residents who spot a bear or its tracks are asked to report it via the 24-hour phone number 1201. If the wild animal poses an immediate threat to people, it is necessary to call the emergency number 112. Authorities emphasize that there is currently no confirmed information about the presence of a bear in Mangalsala, but the situation remains under observation.
