Malpils hunters explain which forest signs may point to a bear nearby

The Malpils hunters' association has shared a photo of bear droppings on Facebook, along with a warning for forest visitors: such traces may indicate that a brown bear is in the area. The advice applies to anyone heading into nature.

The association says that on finding fresh droppings it is worth making more noise, so the bear has time to move away. Fresh tracks or droppings mean the animal could be nearby.

Signs that may point to a bear

The article lists five typical signs:

• destroyed ant hills and dug-up ground, since bears feed on ants and their larvae, insects, roots, tubers and the burrows of small animals; such spots can resemble the work of wild boar;
• footprints on trails or near water, usually showing five toes with claws, with a print length that can exceed 20 centimetres;
• stripped bark, claw marks and dark rub marks from fur on larger trees;
• torn-up rotting stumps where a bear has searched for insects;
• overturned waste containers, wrecked compost heaps and damaged beehives, if the animal approaches inhabited areas.

What to do when meeting a bear

People are advised to move through the forest so that animals can hear them in good time, but not to shout constantly or make excessive noise. If a bear is spotted, avoid sudden movements and do not approach it. Stop, assess the situation and give the animal a chance to leave. If it shows no aggression, retreat slowly while keeping track of where it is.

Do not photograph a bear from close range, feed it or provoke it. If the animal is very close or behaves unusually, calmly increase the distance and leave the area.

A bear's presence does not always mean it is seeking conflict with people, but it can grow bolder if it gets used to humans or finds easily available food. For that reason, food waste and other leftovers should not be left in or near the forest.