Lithuanian hunters refuse government request to shoot a wild bear in the capital

Lithuanian hunters have refused to shoot a wild bear that was spotted roaming around the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius and criticized the government for issuing a permit to kill a member of the protected species. The Lithuanian Association of Hunters and Fishermen says in a statement it is shocked by the decision of the Environment Ministry to shoot the bear. The bear now seems to be out of danger as it was spotted on Wednesday walking through forested areas well outside the city. A government official has defended the authorities' stance and says the kill permit was issued purely as a precaution in case the bear posed a threat.