Bear Invades Backyard in Kastoria: Residents Fearful of Daily Encounters

A homeowner in the village of Mavrochori, Kastoria, has unwillingly acquired a peculiar roommate—a bear that has taken over her yard. This incident is yet another example of bears venturing into human-populated areas. The woman, who shared her story on social media and with local television, expressed concerns about the daily presence of the bear, urging authorities to take necessary measures. According to reports, a mother bear descended from the forest with her cubs and left one in the woman’s yard, causing panic in the village. ‘It has its den behind the house, walks around freely, rummages through trash cans, and eats from them. We’re told to bang pots to scare it away, but it doesn’t work. Something must be done; they need to tranquilize and remove it. It’s not safe for us to live here with the bear. I can’t leave my house without fear,’ said the resident. Another villager recounted seeing the bear while returning home with her three-year-old child from daycare. In a separate incident in Mesopotamia, Kastoria, a farmer encountered an aggressive mother bear after following a cub. The bear charged at him from about ten meters away, prompting him to quickly climb onto his tractor for safety. Local residents have started a Facebook movement demanding action to prevent coexistence with the bear. Meanwhile, a recent photo of a hunted bear in Kastoria has sparked mixed reactions.