Traces of a stray bear spotted in the Barysaŭ district
Forest rangers of the Ikany forestry in the Barysaŭ district noticed traces of a two-year-old bear in fresh snow, writes "Minskaya Pravda".
Photo: Barysaŭ Experimental Forestry
Such animals are called "strays" or "wandering bears" – these are bears that have woken up prematurely from winter hibernation. In this state, they can be more dangerous than usual. The reasons they might not be hibernating could be a warm start to winter, lack of snow, or insufficient food in autumn – a poor harvest of berries, nuts, and acorns.
Photo: Barysaŭ Experimental Forestry
Forest rangers recommend caution to those planning walks in the forests of the Barysaŭ region: avoid dense forest areas, especially those with windfalls and fallen spruce trees – these are the places bears choose for wintering.
For safety, you should also:
- be noisy – talk, tap on trees, so that animals avoid you;
- move slowly and do not turn your back on the bear, do not look it in the eyes;
- if you are with a dog – keep it on a leash, so as not to provoke the animal;
- if you find a bear den or tracks – retreat carefully and report to the forestry or MES.
If an encounter with a bear is inevitable, experts recommend retreating slowly, speaking in a calm, low voice, and not making sudden movements.