Novosibirsk district raises readiness level over bear sightings risk

Authorities in Kuibyshev district of Russia's Novosibirsk region have introduced a heightened readiness regime over the risk of bears approaching settlements, the district administration said.

The restriction on unaccompanied minors covers streets, public places and areas adjoining wooded belts, vacant land and gardening associations. Adults are advised to reduce walking through settlements during the same hours, use private transport where possible and drive children to and from school.

The Kuibyshev intermunicipal police department and wildlife protection department are working under an enhanced regime. Access to Novouspenskoye cemetery in Kuibyshev had previously been restricted because of bears.

Regional authorities report 70 confirmed cases of brown bears approaching settlements this year, with no recorded attacks on people. State monitoring estimated the regional bear population at 1,514 on April 1, compared with 1,132 in 2017.