Seven killed by bears in Siberia in September; negligence case filed against environment ministry

Fear has gripped Siberia, one of the coldest regions of Russia, as large brown bears come out of the forests and attack human settlements. The bear population has grown and the animals have become more aggressive, spreading panic across the region. In the past year, 22 people have been killed in such attacks and several others seriously injured.

According to information from the local administration, Krasnoyarsk has become the main centre of the crisis. It is said that more than 27,000 bears roam this region alone. In September, seven people were mauled to death within a span of a few days. The bears are no longer confined to the edge of the forest. They are being seen moving fearlessly through public parks, main roads and even the courtyards of people's homes. People have shut themselves indoors.

Government figures show that the number of brown bears in Russia has nearly doubled over the past three decades and has crossed 308,000. Climate change is considered a major reason. Winters in Siberia are becoming shorter and milder, which has reduced the time bears spend in hibernation.

Environmental experts say spring arrived very early and was dry this year. As a result, there was a severe shortage of berries and other natural food in the forest. Hungry bears had to wander hundreds of kilometres in search of food, and their path turned towards human settlements. Food waste dumped in the open outside settlements also lures them with the promise of easy food, which is why they are entering inhabited areas.

Normal life has been badly disrupted in Krasnoyarsk and the surrounding villages. Parents have stopped sending children out to play. Nobody, young or old, dares to leave home alone. Many people are going out only with weapons or rifles for protection. Local residents said, "It feels as if we have become hostages in our own homes."

Bears sitting calmly in gardens or overturning household dustbins has become a daily occurrence. Public anger has turned on the administration. It is alleged that the wildlife department did not take the right steps in time. Amid growing public outrage, investigators have registered a case of negligence against the local environment ministry and begun an inquiry.

Troubled by the growing aggression of the bears, the Russian government has finally taken a tough step. Seeing both human safety and the balance of nature at risk, it has cleared a controlled cull. Hunters have been called in to the areas where the bear threat is greatest, and they are being issued special permits.

Experts say that protecting wildlife is essential, but when human lives are at stake, the administration has to take such harsh decisions. Efforts to bring the number of dangerous bears under control are currently under way on a war footing, so that people in Siberia can once again live safe and normal lives.