Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-02-06 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Young bear reappears on Kastoria Lake [02] Protesting farmers from around Greece to gather in Nikea for meeting --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Young bear reappears on Kastoria Lake A male bear cub was caught strolling īn the southern side of Kastoria Lake on Monday, a day after in wandered out in the same direction attracting the attention of numerous bystanders. People watching the bear through binoculars saw it feast on a dead swan and then chase a rare white-tailed eagle which tried to steal the carcass. Scientists from wildlife NGO "Arktouros" and Environment Company of Kastoria, along with forest service employees and police arrived at the lake to try to lead the animal peacefully out of the lake and away from residential areas. "Arktouros" official Nikos Panagiotopoulos told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA) the bear returned because food is in abundance and hunting for the young animal is easy in these conditions. "The large birds of the lake such as swans and ducks are exhausted, weakened and some even injured from the cold weather and the lack of food, making them an easy prey for the young male," he said. [02] Protesting farmers from around Greece to gather in Nikea for meeting Farmers throughout Greece will decide on the future of their protests against the new taxation and social security contributions during a meeting in Nikea, near Larisa, on Tuesday noon. According to Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA) information, the meeting is expected to be attended by protesting farmers from Thessaly, Crete, Macedonia, Evros, Epirus, the Peloponnese etc. The aim of the nationwide gathering is to coordinate protests and road blockades and boost existing blocks.