Bear kills tourist in Siberia, prompting temporary closure of Ulan-Ude trails

A 29-year-old tourist was killed after a bear pulled her from a campsite tent and dragged her into the woods of the Altai Republic. Following the incident, municipal officials in Ulan-Ude, the capital of Russia’s Buryatia region in Eastern Siberia, temporarily closed several hiking and nature trails to protect the public. The city’s green-area department has asked locals to stay clear of the restricted sections, noting that the areas may still look tranquil.

State news agency reports a broader increase in bear attacks across Siberia, citing recent cases such as two men who suffered serious injuries from a bear in the Irkutsk region. Authorities suggest the surge may be linked to a poor seed crop, a key food source for bears. The closures are intended to reduce further human-wildlife conflicts while the situation is monitored.