A driver filmed a brown bear on a forest track in Val d'Aran, just 900 metres from the village of Bagergue, on Saturday evening. The animal crossed paths with the vehicle on the Varradòs road, near the Santa Margalida ravine, which leads to the Ribera de Bagergue.
Bear sightings close to inhabited areas typically increase between late March and early June. This period aligns with the mating season, which primarily runs through April and June, when male bears can travel tens of kilometres daily searching for females.
This time of year sees the highest mobility for both adult and young bears. Experts say that observations near villages usually involve young males and females with cubs seeking food. In areas with a stable bear population, it is not uncommon to detect bears just a few metres from urban centres.
Coexistence Efforts in Val d'Aran
The Conselh Generau d'Aran, the local government, now considers the bear's presence a consolidated reality. Its efforts focus on promoting coexistence between humans and bears and applying control protocols for animals accustomed to human presence.
