Nature agency authorises bear killing in Rencēni

Latvia’s Nature Conservation Agency has issued a special permit for hunters in Rencēni parish to kill a bear after repeated visits to homes in Rencēni and Ēvele parishes, LSM reported. The Valmiera municipality administration sought action after residents reported damage to property and frequent visits by the animal to their yards.

Resident Gita Dikensone said the bear broke into her chicken enclosure, killing six hens and a rooster, and damaging beehives. It visited her home five times in one week and returned several times in August, she said.

Other residents also reported damage. One said the bear broke into a barn across a lake from the Dikensone family’s home. Gints, a resident of Jērcēni parish, said the bear had appeared near his home twice. On one occasion, he encountered it between his house and his dogs while returning from an evening walk.