Lithuanian Hunters Refuse a Government Request to Shoot a Wild Bear in the Capital

Juknytė said that the bear was recorded by a camera on Wednesday, peacefully wandering through a forest some 60 kilometers (40 miles) from Vilnius while munchin

A bear is recorded by a hunters' camera in the Pabrade forests calmly feasting on animal baits in Pabrade, Lithuania, on June 18, 2025. Paulius Peciulis via AP

WARSAW, Poland—A young female bear caused a stir after wandering out of the forest and into the leafy suburbs of the Lithuanian capital.

For two days, the brown bear ambled through the neighborhoods of Vilnius, trotted across highways, and explored backyards—all while being chased by onlookers with smartphones and, eventually, drones.