Bear reportedly seen in Mangaļsala — police find no confirmation
After a resident reported a possible bear sighting in Mangaļsala, Riga municipal police searched the area but found no trace of the animal. Residents are still urged to remain cautious.
The Riga municipality announced on Facebook that it had received a report from a resident about a possible bear sighting in the Mangaļsala area of the city.
The report came in on Saturday, prompting Riga Municipal Police (RPP) officers to search the indicated area. After checking the site, officers were unable to confirm that a bear was actually present.
Despite the lack of confirmation, the municipality is urging Mangaļsala residents to remain cautious and follow safety precautions in case a wild animal is encountered.
What to do if you encounter a bear
Police advise that anyone who comes across a bear should not approach it or attempt to touch it. It is also not recommended to run away or turn one's back on the animal. Instead, people should calmly and slowly back away while avoiding direct eye contact with the bear.
Residents who spot a bear or its tracks are asked to report it immediately by calling the 24-hour hotline 1201. In situations where the animal poses a direct threat to public safety, people should call the unified emergency number 112.
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