How not to meet one of the 3100 clubfoots before hibernation, told the residents of the Leningrad region experts

In autumn, bears, preparing for winter hibernation, are actively looking for food and build up fat reserves. In search of food, they can approach settlements. They can also be found or traced in protected areas. How to protect yourself from a meeting with a brown bear told residents of the Leningrad region in the press service of the Directorate of specially protected natural areas of the region.

In the Leningrad region lives about 3100 brown bears. These cautious beasts tend not to meet people. However, when going to the forest, you need to be careful and take precautions.

How to protect yourself from meeting a bear?

- Do not leave food in parking lots: the smell of food can attract wild animals.

If you see the traces of the bear, you should go back. If it is safe, go around the place of its possible location in the open area.

- Try not to go into dense thickets, windstorms and places with limited visibility.

- Move through the forest so that the bear can hear you in advance: speak in a normal voice, do not try to move silently. Travel as a group if possible.

What to do if there is a bear in front of you?

Do not approach the animal; do not block its way out. Do not run, turn your back, shout, make sudden movements or throw objects at the beast. Try to stay calm and slowly retreat by watching his behavior carefully.

If a bear climbs on its hind legs, it is not always a sign of aggression. So he can explore the environment or look for smells. Don’t get too close to the bears. If you see a bear cub, do not try to take a photo or look at it up close. Increase the distance and leave quietly without approaching, as the bear can be there to protect its offspring.

When encountering wild animals in the forest, it is important to follow safety rules. Since the forest is their natural habitat, it is best to admire nature from afar and not disturb the usual course of life of animals.