Bear drags a huge pig: frightening video discussed by East Kazakhstan residents
Tengrinews.kz readers have sent a video to the editorial office showing a bear dragging and eating a pig carcass. According to the readers, the footage may have been filmed in the Glubokovsky district of the East Kazakhstan region; however, the location has not yet been officially confirmed.
The video shows a bear dragging a pig carcass and remaining near it despite the presence of people. Local residents fear that the appearance of the predator near settlements could pose a threat to both people and livestock.
Warning: Contains strong language!
The Glubokovsky District Administration (Akimat) stated that no reports from residents regarding this specific incident have been received. Officials did not rule out the possibility that the video was filmed elsewhere.
The operational forestry and hunting unit of the East Kazakhstan Department of Natural Resources also confirmed that no one had contacted them regarding this particular case.
"No official, oral, or written statements have been received concerning this video. Therefore, we cannot comment on this specific incident," said Maksat Shakirov, a representative of the unit's press service.
Video still
At the same time, in late August and early September, operational unit specialists had already visited the Glubokovsky district in response to other reports of wild animal sightings.
However, according to Maksat Shakirov, the number of call-outs regarding bears has increased significantly since this summer. He noted that the most tense situation is currently observed near Ridder, Serebryansk, Kurchum, and the Altay district.
Residents of Ridder and Altay are increasingly reporting bears near city limits, dacha communities, and residential areas.
"We work year-round and respond to reports of various predators—wolves, foxes, and bears. But right now, reports about bears are predominant," noted Maksat Shakirov, press service representative for the operational forestry and hunting unit of the East Kazakhstan Natural Resources Department.
He also reported that since the beginning of the year, specialists have conducted 67 raids due to the appearance of predators: 60 for bears, three for wolves, and four for foxes. For comparison, there were 78 such raids in the entirety of last year: 64 for bears, nine for wolves, four for foxes, and one for a beaver.
Why predators are approaching human settlements
Local residents attribute the trend to deforestation and land development, which may be shrinking the animals' natural habitats. Another possible reason cited is a shortage of berries and other natural food sources.
The operational unit noted that separate studies are required to confirm such conclusions. However, specialists do confirm a decrease in the food supply and point to another serious problem: food waste.
"The smell of trash attracts the animals. The bear no longer needs to hunt for food; it finds waste and gradually becomes accustomed to approaching people. Furthermore, it is currently actively searching for food to gain weight before winter," Maksat Shakirov explained.
The situation is exacerbated by trash left by vacationers in forests and tourist zones. Having gained access to easy food, the predator is likely to return to these areas.
How specialists respond to reports
The operational unit carries out several call-outs per week. Upon receiving an official report, a crew equipped with specialized machinery and inspectors knowledgeable in predator behavior is dispatched to the site. One such group is currently working in the Serebryansk area. When necessary, the crew utilizes specialized drones equipped with the latest generation of thermal imagers.
Specialists attempt to drive the bear away from residential areas. If an animal poses a real threat to the population, the issue of its culling is considered by a commission involving the Akimat and authorized bodies.
"As soon as a report is received, the crew is dispatched immediately. All decisions are made in compliance with legislation," emphasized Maksat Shakirov.
What to do if you encounter a bear
If an animal is spotted near homes or dachas, you must:
Refrain from approaching it or filming it from a close distance;
Avoid shouting, throwing objects, or attempting to chase the predator away yourself;
Move children and pets to safety and take cover in a building or vehicle;
Notify the local district inspector, the local Akimat, or the East Kazakhstan Department of Natural Resources;
Submit a report via the eOtinish portal, specifying the location, time, and circumstances of the bear sighting;
In the event of an immediate threat to life, call 112.
It is also recommended to keep trash containers closed and avoid leaving food or pet food outdoors. The faster official services receive information, the sooner specialists can be deployed to the site.
As previously reported by Tengrinews.kz, a man encountered a bear near the town of Tekeli. He recounted that he had gone out in the evening to round up his cows when he suddenly came face-to-face with the animal, which was just a few meters away.
The footage shows the man reacting to the surprise encounter before carefully maintaining his distance from the predator.