Bears currently spotted in the Beskydy Mountains

Bears are currently present in the Beskydy Mountains in northeastern Czechia, the Czech Nature Conservation Agency (AOPK) has confirmed. People are advised to keep rubbish securely stored so that bears cannot get to it and become accustomed to it as a source of food.

The agency also recommends taking precautions to protect farm animals and beehives. People should be careful when walking in the forests and, in remote areas, make their presence known, for example by talking loudly. Dogs should be kept on a leash.

According to the agency, bears have been appearing regularly in the Beskydy since the 1970s. Their presence is not unusual, as the mountains are home to a small population of bears from the Carpathians.