Bear with Four Cubs Spotted in Limbaži Region

On June 16, while inspecting forest stands in the Limbaži forest district, a forestry specialist from JSC "Latvijas valsts meži" spotted four bear cubs. Initially mistaking them for wild boars, he slowed down and realized they were bear cubs standing up out of curiosity. Further into the forest, the mother bear was also visible.

Latvia's brown bear population is growing, with at least 190 individuals estimated. Monitoring combines systematic surveys in protected areas with genetic analysis of hair, feces, and saliva samples. In 2025 alone, 827 random observations were collected, including photos, videos, and footprints.

The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) encourages anyone who sees a bear or its signs to report it on the "Dabas dati" portal, providing the exact date and GPS coordinates. Photos of paw prints, especially front paws with a scale object like a bank card, are particularly valuable. Despite the increasing bear numbers, encounters remain rare as bears are shy and avoid humans. If a bear poses a direct threat, local authorities and DAP should be contacted immediately.