22 • 06 • 2016
summer solstice in nature
The best way how to enjoy the magic of summer solstice is going outside the city, in nature. While relaxing in woods, you should be quite, and observe fire safety rules. Also, you should be ready to get acquainted with wild animals and their babies. Remember, that they don’t need help from humans.
At the moment Latvia’s forests are inhabited by animal babies – roes, deer, and hares. Uģis Bergmanis, JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) Senior Environment Specialist, reminds us that these animals live in the forest, and we should not touch or move them. Also, keeping wild animals in captivity is forbidden by the law.
We should take into account that parents of the baby animals are somewhere near to protect and take care of them. If you see that an animal is hurt and it needs help, please call the State Forest Service (VMD) at 67221322.
You have to be very careful when meeting a fox, beaver or boar in the forest. If the animal shows any signs of aggression, change your route or hide. Usually animals don’t attack without a reason, only if they feel endangered, they are being chased or hear unpleasant sounds.
Uģis Bergmanis tells about precautions to be taken when meeting baby birds in the forest: “If you see that a bird has fallen out of its nest or has landed unsuccessfully while learning to fly, you should carefully take the bird and put it on the closest twig in order to protect it from dogs and other predators. Bird’s parents are near and will take care of it,” says the expert. If there’s a doubt that it is hurt and needs help, you should contact VMD or turn to LVM Senior Environment Specialist Uģis Bergmanis for advice by calling 29485851.
During this period of year, there’s a possibility to meet aggressive bird parents, especially crows that can fly upon pedestrians or even attack them in order to protect their babies. To protect yourself, your children and pets, and not to harm small birds, don’t touch bird babies that you have found on the ground. If you see an aggressive bird approaching, the expert suggests leaving as soon as possible.
Uģis Bergmanis points out that despite the ancient Latvian saying “All plants are good that grow in the Jāņi evening” we should remember about the protected plants that can be found in our forests and not to use them in our Jāņi (summer solstice) decorations. The expert invites us to enjoy the beauty of protected forest flowers in the forest. It is forbidden to pluck them!
JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” wish you joyful and peaceful summer solstice enjoying the remarkable nature of Latvia. Līgo!
