In Sochi completed a series of lectures on safe neighborhood with bears

In Sochi National Park summed up the results of the educational project “Brown bear – our neighbor”. In September and October, the specialists held eight lectures, which were attended by about 600 residents and guests of the resort. The final meeting took place in the park "Dandrary".

The project was launched against the background of frequent cases of the appearance of wild animals near people. According to the organizers, in 2025 in Sochi recorded 540 outings of bears to people. In 15 cases, aggressive behavior of predators was noted. This year, 40 such meetings were officially registered.

Director of the Department for Environmental Protection, Forest Park, Agriculture and Industry of the Sochi Administration Andrei Nikonchuk noted that the residential and resort infrastructure of the city is adjacent to the natural habitats of bears. Of particular importance, he said, is preventing predators from accessing food waste and other sources of food.

Residents are advised to close garbage containers, harvest in a timely manner, not to leave livestock and pets unattended in places where bears may appear. The availability of human food forms a stable food dependence in animals and reduces their natural caution towards humans.

According to experts of the national park, in autumn the risk of predators near settlements increases: before hibernation, animals are actively looking for food.

During your stay in nature, it is recommended to indicate your presence in advance with loud conversations and music. If a meeting with a bear still occurred, you can not run away, turn to the animal’s back or make sudden movements. Do not look the predator directly in the eyes. One should try to appear taller, lifting the existing things above his head, and slowly retreat, without approaching the animal. If there is an immediate threat, find a shelter and call 112.

At the lectures in the Arboretum, participants were given information posters with rules of safe behavior and whistles that can help scare away the beast.

Educational work is not limited to public lectures. With the support of the Department of Education of the Sochi Administration, the specialists of the national park prepared an environmental lesson and methodological materials for schools, kindergartens and additional education centers. The first presentation was held for teachers of biology and geography.

In addition, scientists for six years tracked the places where bears most often come to people. These data are used to improve sanitary requirements in areas adjacent to natural territories and to organize a rapid response to residents’ requests.

To coordinate this work, an interdepartmental group was created with the participation of representatives of structural units of the city administration.

Earlier it was reported that in Sochi grew a Chinese quince weighing more than a kilogram.