Hundreds of bears culled in Russia’s Irkutsk region as authorities urge caution VIDEO

Hundreds of bears have been culled in Russia’s Irkutsk Region since the beginning of their active period, as a surge in sightings near populated areas has prompted authorities to introduce additional safety measures.

“Over the past three days, 32 bears have been culled, including 14 over the past 24 hours. Since the beginning of the bears’ active period, a total of 212 animals have been culled,” the Irkutsk regional government said.

Residents from various districts of the Irkutsk Region reported 180 bear sightings over the past three days.

On September 18, a state of heightened readiness was introduced in the region amid an increase in cases of bears entering areas near populated settlements.

The rise in bear activity has also led authorities to advise schools to move Health Days indoors and hold the events on school grounds instead. Such activities are often organised at recreation centres.

“Health Days are planned to be held at schools in the region in the near future. Such events are often organised at recreation centres. We recommend that educational institutions move these activities to school grounds and not hold them outdoors,” the deputy chairman of the regional government said during a working group meeting.

By Jeyhun Aghazada