Siberia issues emergency alert after fatal bear attacks kill two women

Authorities in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia have issued a maximum alert following two fatal bear attacks that killed two women, aged 67 and 73, while they were gathering mushrooms in a forest near the village of Podtyosovo.

The victims, identified as Zoya G. and Galina Teterinova, were found by emergency services and volunteers several kilometers from the village. Their bodies were discovered approximately 4.8 meters apart, with reports suggesting the predator may have buried the first victim before attacking the second.

The surge in bear activity near urban areas is attributed to severe food shortages. Drought and forest fires have depleted natural food sources like pine nuts and wild berries, forcing hungry bears into human settlements. In response, officials have increased patrols, and students at the Siberian Federal University were instructed to remain in their dormitories. An aggressive young bear was recently shot near a school in the Yemelyanovo suburb to ensure public safety.