Russian wildlife officials have initiated a large-scale cull of over 3,000 bears, citing a significant increase in dangerous interactions between the animals and local residents. The move comes after a series of incidents in Siberia’s Irkutsk region, where bears have been spotted in close proximity to human settlements and roads, leading to reports of deadly attacks. Local residents, such as Daria Tyurneva, have reported encountering bears in unexpected places, including near highways, highlighting the growing frequency of these sightings.

While the government characterizes the cull as a necessary safety measure to protect the public, the scale of the operation is notable for its size. Officials have stated that the current situation is unprecedented, noting that they have not previously experienced such a high volume of bear-related threats. The cull is intended to reduce the population density in areas where human-bear conflict has become a recurring issue. The situation remains fluid as authorities monitor bear activity and assess whether further measures will be required to ensure public safety in affected regions.