Forester Captures Video of Four Bear Cubs and Mother in Limbaži Area
Forester Rūdolfs Rubezis encountered and filmed four bear cubs and their mother in Limbaži county, who curiously examined his car before returning to the forest.
On Tuesday, June 16, forestry master Rūdolfs Rubezis spotted four small animals in the Limbaži area. Initially thinking they were wild boar, he approached with his car and realized they were bear cubs. The cubs stood up on their hind legs, curiously inspecting the vehicle before ambling deeper into the woods.
This incident is further evidence of the growing brown bear population in Latvia. Researchers estimate that about 150 individuals currently live in the country. As a result, bears are increasingly seen not only in forests but also near settlements and even cities. Recently, a bear was spotted in Jēkabpils, where it was calmly guided out of town.
The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) and Latvian State Forests (LVM) offer advice on how to behave when encountering a bear. DAP representative Gita Strode praised the municipal response in Jēkabpils but criticized residents who filmed the bear and endangered themselves. LVM expert Kārlis Taukačs recommends choosing shorter walking routes outside forested areas and moving while talking or humming to avoid surprises.
If an encounter occurs, DAP advises staying calm, never turning your back, speaking in a calm voice, and slowly backing away while keeping the animal in sight. Running is prohibited. As additional protection, special bear spray can be used, available at sports and hunting stores. Experts emphasize that the spray should be readily accessible, not buried in a backpack.
