Vilnius region reports wandering brown bear, sparking debate over response protocols

A brown bear was spotted near Vilnius on Tuesday evening, reigniting discussions about institutional preparedness and response procedures for encounters with large wild animals, LRT reports.

The bear was filmed by a local resident running along a path in Tarandė, a suburban area on the outskirts of Vilnius, shortly before midnight. Authorities were alerted via emergency services and police, but no further sightings were reported overnight or the following morning.

Jonas Jarmalavičius, head of the Wildlife Protection Division at the Environmental Protection Department, confirmed the bear remains in the Tarandė area, though its exact location is unclear. “No additional reports of the bear’s presence in urbanised areas have been received,” he stated, adding that the animal poses no immediate threat to residents.

However, the Hunters and Anglers Association criticised state institutions for lacking clear protocols. “First and foremost, there should be established algorithms for handling situations where a wild predator—especially a bear, which poses a direct danger—enters populated areas,” said Laurynas Filipavičius, a board member of the association. He warned that within 12 hours, the bear could cover significant distances, potentially reaching central Vilnius.

The department maintains that protocols exist: if the animal does not pose a threat, it is left undisturbed to return to its natural habitat. If a risk arises, authorities attempt to redirect the bear or, as a last resort, use lethal measures. “Residents are continuously informed, and we are prepared for all scenarios,” Jarmalavičius said.

Filipavičius rejected calls for hunters to cull the bear, citing its protected status under Lithuania’s Red Data Book and ongoing reintroduction efforts. “We will not take such action,” he affirmed. “The bear is a Red List species, and we are working to restore its population.”

This year, the department has received seven reports of bear sightings, compared to 56 in 2025. Experts estimate Lithuania’s current bear population at 10–20 individuals, noting their migratory behaviour. Mindaugas Lapelė of the Sengirė Fund welcomed their return as a sign of ecological resilience: “It’s positive that bears are adapting to our fragmented forests and logging sites. Now the challenge is for us to adapt to their presence.”

Residents encountering the bear are advised to call emergency services (112), maintain a safe distance, and avoid filming, provoking, or running from the animal, as such actions could trigger aggression.