Bear Roaming Through City Streets Sparks Safety Concerns

Residents in Bitola reported seeing a bear moving through the city on May 22, with the sightings quickly spreading across social platforms.

The animal was seen on “Makedonska Falanga” Street, near the city promenade, below Tumba Kafe, in the area around the stadium, and on 16 Street near the water utility facility.

Citizens expressed concern and called on the relevant authorities to take action to prevent possible incidents. Some posts also referenced the director of the Crisis Management Center, Stojanche Angelov.

The State Police in Bitola confirmed that the case was officially reported.

Hunting associations stated that the bear is under permanent protection and that there is no legal basis for intervention against the animal.

Bitola Mayor Toni Konjanovski said there have been multiple recent reports of bear sightings in the area.

He stated that he has contacted the Crisis Management Center, the Ministry of Interior, the State Inspectorate for Forestry and Hunting, and the Food and Veterinary Agency regarding the situation.

He also noted reports of bear activity in rural areas near the villages of Trn, Optichari, Poeševo, and Egri, as well as a recent early morning sighting near the city park reported through emergency channels.

Officials have informed him that the situation is currently being monitored.

He added that in previous years there have also been reports of bears in the region causing material damage, noting that the animals are legally protected.