Settlement of concern among residents of the Municipality of Oraiokastro after recent reports of the presence of a bear near the urban fabric. The wild animal was spotted moving in the areas of Liti and Melissochori, as well as in the mountainous area of Oraiokastro, which has put authorities on alert.

To deal with the situation, the Municipality is in constant coordination with the Forestry Department of Thessaloniki and environmental organizations. The aim of the cooperation is the constant surveillance of the area to ensure the physical integrity of citizens and at the same time the protection of the animal until its safe removal.

Following is the announcement of the Municipality:

Disappearance of a bear in areas of the Municipality of Oraiokastro – Citizens are advised to be careful

The Municipality of Oraiokastro has recently recorded the presence of bears in the areas of Liti, Melissochori and the mountainous area of Oraiokastro.

The occurrence of bears near populated areas may be related to foraging or movement of the animal.

The Municipality of Oraiokastro is in communication and cooperation with the competent Service, the Forestry Department of Thessaloniki, as well as environmental bodies to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of citizens and the protection of the animal.

In this context, the municipal authority draws the attention of residents and citizens who are active in the above-mentioned areas where the bear has made its appearance, as well as beekeepers and livestock farmers, to be careful and not to approach the bear under any circumstances if they spot it.

Here are instructions in case of a human-bear encounter:

THE BEAR MUST NOT FEEL THAT HE IS AFFECTED BY THE HUMAN

This means :

1. We keep our cool.

2. We are staying still.

3. We do not take “threatening” objects such as rocks and branches.

4. We try to back away gradually, recognizing the bear’s “dominance” of the space.

5. In direct view of the bear, we try to look bigger.

6. We don’t run.

7. In the case of narrow spaces, create an escape space for the bear and do not “cut off” the bear’s path.

Also, in case of walking in the forest we make noise, e.g. we talk loudly.

Most likely by the time we think about all of the above, the bear will be gone.

If the bear regularly visits a populated area:

Make sure to make constant noise if you are outdoors or constantly talking.

Collect trash from outdoor areas, squares, home yards and anything else that may be a food source for the bear and therefore attract it to the area.

Clean up debris from last year’s crop that may be in neighboring fields.

Remember that bears move mostly from dusk to dawn as well as may use the area as a passageway.