The two animals, which were initially seen around Valka and later in Smiltene municipality, were successfully sedated and afterwards let out in separate forests far from each other. They were also allocated ear tags with identification numbers "to make it easier to recognize them if they approach farmsteads", however, it might not be the best of ideas to approach them close enough to actually read the plate.
Sedation under the supervision of certified veterinarians was carried out by two experienced specialists from Latvia and Estonia.
The plan of relocation of bears involved experts from Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Germany and Canada.
“We are grateful to everyone involved in the planning, consultation and implementation of these measures. A lot of those involved here worked on a voluntary basis. And although this was an extraordinary, in addition, a high-risk situation, the sharing of responsibilities, cooperation and coordination were at a high level which resulted in a successful outcome”, said DAP representative Rolands Auziņš. It was not revealed where the bears were let out.