Residents of Lesozavodsk recently spotted a bear wandering through the city streets, even pausing near a playground as curious onlookers captured video for Telegram channels like City V. The sighting marked a rare daytime appearance for a predator in a populated area, prompting immediate attention from local authorities and wildlife experts.
The bear appeared in Lesozavodsk twice within a single day in the Primorsky Territory. In the first sighting, the animal was observed near several schools, including major educational facilities, before moving toward the city center and eventually entering a neighborhood playground. Local residents described the encounter as unsettling, though not immediately threatening, until the animal settled in a nearby play area for a period of time.
Wildlife professionals note that this behavior is not typical for bears that otherwise have reliable access to food during the warmer months. According to experts, such incidents may signal an anomaly in the bear’s regular patterns. Some possible explanations include scavenging near garbage dumps or food sources that draw it into human settlements, illness, or an animal that has become habituated to people after repeated interactions. These possibilities were discussed by Sergei Aramilev, General Director of the Amur Tiger Center, in an interview with the DV Ross portal. The assessment highlights that habituation and health issues can elevate the risk of close encounters with people and pets.
Law enforcement and regional authorities are carefully tracking the animal’s movements. Reports indicate that the bear’s last known location was near building 183 on Dzerzhinsky Street, and officials are working under the assumption that the predator returned to the forest when conditions allow. The regional Ministry of Internal Affairs has stated that monitoring procedures are in place to ensure public safety while the animal remains in the vicinity of human activity. Wildlife teams are coordinating with forest management agencies to determine the most appropriate response, balancing the need to protect residents with the goal of preserving the bear’s natural behaviors.
Residents in surrounding towns have also reported bear activity during the season, including a separate incident in Troitskoye, Novosibirsk region, where a young bear caused alarm among villagers. Observers emphasize the importance of staying vigilant, securing food sources, and avoiding actions that could provoke or habituate wildlife. Public safety messages stress keeping a respectful distance, not approaching the animal, and reporting sightings to authorities so trained personnel can respond accordingly.
Experts advise communities to review food storage practices, maintain clean urban spaces, and reinforce secure waste disposal to prevent attracting bears. In areas where bears are a recurring presence, it is essential for residents to carry at least basic safety guidelines, including how to act when a bear is spotted and when to evacuate or seek shelter. Authorities also remind residents to remain calm, slowly back away, and give the animal an escape route to reduce stress and prevent aggressive reactions. The overarching goal is to minimize human-bear interactions while supporting the bear’s freedom to roam its natural habitat when feasible.