Bear cub trapped in snare on Jakupica rescued
A joint operation by hunters, inspectors, MES, police and a Skopje Zoo vet freed the cub after it was found last night.
Last night on Mount Jakupica, near Veles, a bear cub caught in a snare was freed after a joint rescue effort by hunters, inspectors and conservationists. The animal was discovered by members of the Ruen Hunting Association from Veles.
“We were hunting when we heard a bear roaring. It was a loud cry. From the sound we found the cub. It was aggressive from the pain, but it sought salvation from us. With gentle eyes it looked for us to save it, but it did not allow us to approach. Its mother was nearby, watching what was happening. We immediately reported it to the hunting association,” said one of the hunters who found the bear.
Coordinated field operation
The rescue involved two inspectors from the State Environmental Inspectorate (DIŽS), members of the Ruen Hunting Association, representatives of the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), the Veles police and a veterinarian from the Skopje Zoo. Teams worked together on site to secure and release the cub from the trap.
Officials said the operation aimed both to relieve the cub's suffering and to minimise risk to the nearby female bear, which had remained close to the scene. After the animal was freed, the veterinarian evaluated the cub and the teams transported it for further care.
The State Environmental Inspectorate announced the rescue and emphasised cooperation between hunters, civil society and authorities as crucial for timely interventions in rural and mountainous areas.
Authorities did not publish further details about the cub's condition or the exact type of trap used; they said follow-up monitoring would determine whether the animal can be returned to the wild or needs longer-term treatment.
Photo: Drzhaven inspektorat za zhivotna sredina)
