Krasnoyarsk:Bear attacks have resulted in the deaths of six people in Russia's Siberian region of Krasnoyarsk this month, triggering a criminal investigation into possible negligence by local authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Investigative Committee of Russia's branch covering Krasnoyarsk and neighboring Khakassia reported that the brown bear population in the region has increased significantly to over 26,000, approximately 2.5 times its previous size. More than 120 bear sightings were reported by residents across over 15 districts, including Krasnoyarsk, the regional capital.

The committee highlighted that despite warnings, local authorities did not implement measures to control the bear population or prevent their presence in populated areas. This failure allegedly led to the six fatal attacks in September 2026 within the Yeniseysky, Sosnovoborsky, and Yermakovsky districts of Krasnoyarsk Krai.

Investigations are ongoing to uncover all circumstances related to the case, and a criminal case has been opened for "negligence." The investigation aims to legally assess the actions of officials responsible for managing bear occurrences in inhabited zones.

Dmitry Buchenik, deputy head of neighboring Khakassia, stated that Abaza is currently "under siege" by bears, with sightings reported from all directions. In a recent operation, bears were driven away from a nearby bridge, resulting in the killing of three.

Overall, bear attacks have claimed 17 lives across Siberia and the Far Eastern regions of Russia in recent months. In response, Vladimir Mazur, governor of the neighboring Tomsk region, has announced restrictions on mass events and forest activities to mitigate bear encounters. These restrictions will remain until at least November 1.