A bear that ran away from a wildlife sanctuary in northeastern Latvia had to be killed because it was impossible to return it to its enclosure in the Ligatne Nature Trails preserve, local media reported.
The bear, named Made, was shot dead out of concerns for the safety of people living in the area.
Made, a female brown bear, escaped the wildlife sanctuary on April 22. Police blocked roads leading to Ligatne Nature Trails and advised local residents to stay indoors. Police and wildlife personnel managed to track down the bear, but were unable to get close enough for a live capture.
Many Latvians were upset by the decision to shoot Made, which became national news. Latvian President Andris Berzins said he was sorry for Made but understood that the bear had to be killed for safety reasons.
This was not the first time that Made had fled her enclosure at Ligatne Nature Trails in Latvia's northeastern Vidzeme region. Last August, she dug her way under the fence of her enclosure and disappeared. The animal was found the next day, eating apples in a private garden.
Three other bears Ilzite, Puika and Mikus currently live at Ligatne Nature Trails.
