Forester: No reason to fear bear population growth as threat to humans

Although bears historically inhabited Latvia, the environment has changed significantly over the past 40 years, and there is simply no room for them anymore. However, according to forester Jānis Pirvics, speaking on Latvian Radio, there are no grounds to fear that the bear population growth poses a particular threat to humans, as bears mostly feed on plant-based food.

Pirvics explained that despite the changed habitat, bears are not aggressive predators that seek to attack humans. He emphasized the importance of caution when encountering wild animals, but noted that the bear population dynamics should be understood in the context of the transformed landscape rather than as an immediate danger.