[Regnum] Bears visit cemeteries to scavenge for food left on graves, leading to more frequent encounters with humans, which often ends in tragedy.Zoologist and game warden Mikhail Krechmar spoke with Regnum News Agency on Wednesday, September 16.
Earlier that day, some media outlets reported that authorities in some regions had recommended against leaving food on graves. According to the zoologist, this could be effective if citizens actually adhere to the restrictions and not just follow tradition.
"Bears feed in cemeteries. There's even a term for it, 'cemetery bear.' Such restrictions could be helpful because bears come to cemeteries for funeral food," Kretschmar explained.
The zoologist also called for adjustments to waste management regulations: landfills should not be open to wild animals.
"The most important restriction that needs to be introduced is to prevent access to garbage dumps not only for bears but also for other animals: stray dogs, foxes, and raccoon dogs. If the dumps are eliminated or made inaccessible to wild animals, then 90 percent of the wildlife problems will go away," Kretschmar explained.