A bear killed a tourist on the night of August 19 in the Altai Republic (Russian Federation). The tourists had pitched a tent at the source of the Biya River on the shore of Lake Teletskoye. That night, a bear approached the tent, pulled the woman out, and disappeared into the forest with her. This reportedly happened in front of her fiancé, but we are unable to verify this.
Other tourists attempted to scare off the bear, but were unable to save the victim. A gamekeeper and law enforcement officers reportedly arrived at the scene shortly afterward and attempted to scare off the animal by firing shots into the air, but this was unsuccessful.
According to an eyewitness, the bear continued to hold the woman’s body. The bear then dragged the body across the river and buried it in the forest.
The tourist who died in the bear attack was 29 years old. Following the incident, a high-alert regime was declared in the village. Until further notice, tourists are prohibited from pitching tents in the forest and along the riverbank. A curfew has also been declared. It will be in effect from 8:00 PM to 10:00 AM.
This is the first bear attack on a person here. Be careful when outdoors. Not only bears pose a danger, but also snakes and ticks. Small animals (foxes, squirrels, mice) are also dangerous – they can carry infections.
How can you protect yourself from a bear attack? They say aerosol cans with a predator-repellent gas are effective. The most reliable way is to stay home.
Recommendations:
- Bring deterrents with you. Suitable options include pepper spray (spray in front of the bear’s muzzle, aiming the stream at the eyes and mouth), smoke flares, or fire flares.
- Make noise while in the forest. Bears try to avoid encounters with humans, but to do so, the bear must be able to hear you beforehand.
- Do not approach bears. Female bears with cubs are especially dangerous.
- Don’t go alone. The risk of aggression is significantly lower in a group.
- Don’t turn your back on the bear.
- Don’t try to run away; the bear runs faster than you.
- Don’t stare. A bear perceives a direct gaze as a challenge or a threat.
- Try to appear larger by raising a jacket or backpack above your head.
- Back away slowly, without making any sudden movements.
We don’t know how to reliably defend yourself against an attacking bear. It’s best to avoid the predator altogether.
