A young bear, nicknamed “Mladić,” caused a stir after entering the Široka Kula village near Plitvice Lakes National Park. Reports indicate the bear sought refuge in the yard of a local family, the Čačićs, specifically within a sawmill. The encounter occurred during Easter when the bear cub was spotted by Jasmina Ratković Čačić while she was collecting firewood.
“We were surprised to see the bear, but we realized he wouldn’t be able to survive independently,” she stated. Attempts to return the bear to the forest were unsuccessful, as it repeatedly returned to the Čačić family’s property. Authorities were subsequently notified and are working to manage the situation.
Due to the bear’s inability to survive without its mother in a natural setting, a temporary solution has been arranged. Željko Orešković Maco will be taking on the role of temporary caretaker for the animal. Further details regarding the long-term plan for the bear’s care are still pending.
