Bears present in Alūksne region, though rarely seen

The forest-rich Alūksne region frequently encounters evidence of bears, though the animals seldom show themselves to humans. Aivars Gorbāns, head of the Beja hunters' association, reports several incidents in recent years: three beehives destroyed in Jaunalūksne parish two years ago, and a bear filmed by a neighboring group's camera last year before fleeing. Tracks and claw marks in the woods are common, and have been observed for at least 15 years. Gorbāns notes that previously, without cameras, bears were recorded less often.

According to the hunter, Latvia currently has around 190 bears, up from an estimate of 150 a year ago. “It’s clear that these animals are increasing and their spread is becoming more pronounced,” Gorbāns says. He attributes this to human activity—logging occurs year-round, unlike hunting which is banned in summer. Bears sometimes move to quieter areas, occasionally approaching towns.

Gorbāns emphasizes not to frighten the animal. If a bear enters a yard, it should not be disturbed; if left alone, it will eat and leave. In forests, making noise is advisable so the bear knows of human presence and can move away. He reminds that bears are a protected species and that no one has been killed in Latvia so far.

Social media recently showed a video of a bear in a rapeseed field in Mālupes parish, with other sightings elsewhere in Latvia. Two initiatives have been posted on the ManaBalss.lv platform: one advocates keeping the brown bear strictly protected with preventive measures, while another calls for population control, citing safety and economic interests. Both reflect the complex balance between humans and wildlife.

Hunter Kārlis Gorbāns shared a memory from ten years ago when a bear hit the window of his workplace on Rūpniecības Street in Alūksne. The animal later visited a nearby gas station and returned to the forest. Kārlis says he wasn't overly frightened, as he was already aware of bear presence and sensed it as a hunter.