Jēkabpils Municipality Establishes No-Hunt Zones in Towns Even for Dangerous Animals
In Jēkabpils, Aknīste, and Viesīte, areas have been designated where hunting wild animals is prohibited even in dangerous situations. The regulations were approved before a bear entered Jēkabpils in late May.
The Jēkabpils Municipality has approved binding regulations that prohibit hunting in certain zones within the towns of Jēkabpils, Aknīste, and Viesīte, even when wild animals pose a threat. The rules were adopted before a bear wandered into Jēkabpils in late May.
The regulations, titled "On Hunting in the Towns of Jēkabpils Municipality," define areas and water bodies within the towns where game animals may cause damage or endanger residents. Their purpose is to ensure public order and safety, reduce epizootic risks, and prevent harm to property, the environment, and drainage systems.
Hunting is allowed only in designated areas and only when the municipality's Hunting Coordination Committee has determined that game animals threaten public order or cause damage and has issued a decision to limit a specific species. Permitted equipment includes firearms with silencers, small-caliber weapons, and other hunting tools.
The committee will monitor compliance and provide guidance on organizing hunts. It will also assess which weapons or tools are appropriate in each case. Municipality officials emphasize that the regulation prevents risks to people, for example, if a sick animal enters the town but using firearms would be dangerous.
As previously reported, a bear was spotted in Jēkabpils in late May, coming close to residential buildings. After dark, the animal was successfully driven back into the forest.
