Experts Warn Against Panic During Bear Encounters
Of course one can run, and many people have fled from bears, but they fled from those bears that did not want to catch them.
Consensus
- When encountering a bear, one should not run, scream, make sudden movements, or turn away.
- It is advised to slowly and calmly retreat while maintaining eye contact with the bear.
- One should not attempt to drive the bear away independently.
- Calling emergency services at 112 is recommended.
- If attacked, one should lie face down, protect the neck and head, and use available objects to defend oneself.
- The best way to avoid a bear encounter is to take preventive measures before entering the forest.
- Bear encounters have increased in some regions, including Irkutsk Oblast.
Points of divergence
- The zoologist recommends using a whistle and playing aggressive music to scare off a bear. — vesti
- The zoologist suggests speaking to the bear, saying phrases like 'Why are you standing here?' while retreating. — vesti
- The zoologist claims that dogs in a group can signal the presence of a bear, even if they are not effective. — vesti
- The zoologist states that if a bear wants to eat someone, it will do so regardless of precautions. — vesti
- In Irkutsk Oblast, authorities reported 17 bear sightings in one day across multiple locations. — m24
- A bear attacked a 52-year-old hunter in Bratsk, leading to the animal's death and the man's hospitalization. — m24
- A bear entered a locomotive depot in Irkutsk Oblast. — m24
Coverage (4 sources)
- «Cannot scream»: ecologist named mistakes when meeting with bear — РИАМО
- Zoologist explains how to behave during close contact with a bear — Вести
- Russians told how to behave when meeting a bear — Вести
- Ecologist Rybaltchenko: when meeting a bear, you cannot turn away and run — Москва 24