Villagers in villages surrounded by forests are afraid to go outside

Littered rubbish, dragged bins, discarded yard items, beehives or even a water pump pulled out of a well – such uninvited guests – bears – were the names of the recent works carried out by the residents of Tauragnai, who are afraid to go not only into the forest near their homes, but also into their yards, because, according to them, they do not know when they might come face to face with an animal that is constantly frightening them.

Feels safer with a dog

Until now, people who live or come to summer in the forests of Minča have lived a quiet and normal life; they have not been attacked by any forest animals, they have not even seen any wolves, and in summer or autumn they would go out with their bags and go out berry picking or mushroom picking. This year, not only did they not go out to gather these forest delicacies in the summer, but they were also shy about going into their own yards, especially after dark.