Buryatia reports 51 bears killed near settlements in a week

Buryatia’s environmental watchdog said on October 12 that hunters and inspectors killed 51 bears over the preceding week because the animals posed a threat to people near settlements.

According to the agency’s statement reported by RIA Novosti, state hunting inspectors and hunting teams made 85 field visits. They checked reports and inspected areas where bears had entered settlements or remained nearby.

The operations covered Severobaikalsk and districts including Severobaikalsky, Kurumkansky, Kabansky, Barguzinsky and Pribaikalsky. The agency said the bears targeted posed risks to residents’ lives and health.

The cumulative number killed during the period covered by the agency’s operations reached 397. That figure is separate from the weekly total. Officials urged residents to avoid entering forests and spending time near wooded areas.