Residents of Gardiki, a mountain village in the Aspropotamos area of Trikala, central Greece, were surprised on Tuesday night when a bear was seen moving through the settlement.
According to local accounts, the animal walked calmly through the village streets while searching for food and did not display aggressive behavior. Residents who spotted the bear alerted their neighbors and kept a safe distance until it moved back toward the surrounding forest.
A home security camera reportedly captured the bear wandering through the village, confirming residents’ reports of the unusual encounter.
Increasing bear sightings in mountain areas
The incident highlights the increasingly frequent appearance of bears in mountain settlements in the Pindos mountain range, particularly during the summer months when animals may seek easier access to food sources near human communities.
Authorities have reminded residents and visitors not to approach wild animals and to avoid leaving food or waste exposed, as these can attract wildlife closer to populated areas.
They also recommend immediately notifying local forestry authorities or the police if another bear sighting occurs.
