ID :
13535
Wed, 07/23/2008 - 12:23
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/13535
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Bears hamper work of geologists on Kamchatka
PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, July 23 (Itar-Tass) -- Brown bears hamper normal work of geologists of the Koryak geology mining company on theKamchatka Peninsula.
At least 30 bears wander near geological camps. Workers fear to go out after beasts of prey killed two watchmen at a drilling site near thevillage of Khailino on July 17.
A Vityaz cross-country vehicle with a team of hunters was sent from the village of Tilichiki along a rain-damaged way to the site to help the geologists. However, shooting is postponed so far because there is no permission. Processing of appropriate documents has just begun inPetropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and it may take all the day long.
A helicopter was ready to fly out from Kamchatka's capital on Tuesday to help the geologists, but the flight was postponed because of rain and fog. It may fly out this Wednesday, as meteorologists forecast a clear andsunny day with good visibility.
According to local ecologists, the unusually aggressive behavior of Kamchatka bears is explained by the lack of salmon fish, habitual food of the beasts, in local rivers due to water contamination. The lack of salmon and salmon caviar makes hungry animals look for food near human dwelling, come close to dumps and even attack people. Bears could be attracted to the camps by the smell of nerka salmon traditionally stored in groundholes in Koryakia.
The peak of activity of beasts will last till August.
Hunters say if documents are given promptly, they can begin to shoot already this Wednesday. However, it will take at least a week, as bears are among the most difficult kinds of game. Though the animals are big,they quickly manoeuvre and escape from pursuit.
The Kamchatka brown bear is one of the biggest in the world. A male may weigh 700 kilogrammes with a three-metre body length. According to thelatest registration, more than 16,000 bears inhabit the peninsula.
At least 30 bears wander near geological camps. Workers fear to go out after beasts of prey killed two watchmen at a drilling site near thevillage of Khailino on July 17.
A Vityaz cross-country vehicle with a team of hunters was sent from the village of Tilichiki along a rain-damaged way to the site to help the geologists. However, shooting is postponed so far because there is no permission. Processing of appropriate documents has just begun inPetropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and it may take all the day long.
A helicopter was ready to fly out from Kamchatka's capital on Tuesday to help the geologists, but the flight was postponed because of rain and fog. It may fly out this Wednesday, as meteorologists forecast a clear andsunny day with good visibility.
According to local ecologists, the unusually aggressive behavior of Kamchatka bears is explained by the lack of salmon fish, habitual food of the beasts, in local rivers due to water contamination. The lack of salmon and salmon caviar makes hungry animals look for food near human dwelling, come close to dumps and even attack people. Bears could be attracted to the camps by the smell of nerka salmon traditionally stored in groundholes in Koryakia.
The peak of activity of beasts will last till August.
Hunters say if documents are given promptly, they can begin to shoot already this Wednesday. However, it will take at least a week, as bears are among the most difficult kinds of game. Though the animals are big,they quickly manoeuvre and escape from pursuit.
The Kamchatka brown bear is one of the biggest in the world. A male may weigh 700 kilogrammes with a three-metre body length. According to thelatest registration, more than 16,000 bears inhabit the peninsula.
