Eight Kuzbass districts on heightened alert over bear sightings

The number of Kemerovo region districts on heightened alert over bears approaching people has risen to 8, the regional forestry and hunting ministry told RIA Novosti on 9 October.

In September, the measure covered five municipalities. It now applies to the Tashtagol, Mezhdurechensk, Novokuznetsk, Tisul, Kaltan, Osinniki, Myski and Prokopyevsk districts.

All sporting and tourism events in those areas have been cancelled. The number of mobile response teams has increased from 13 to 21, with 87 people taking part, including state inspectors, professional hunters and amateur hunters.

The teams respond to reports of predators around the clock, inspect affected areas and track the animals’ movements. The ministry said inspectors investigate every report and carry out preventive work with residents.

Municipal authorities have also received a procedure for assessing conditions and making prompt decisions when bears appear.