Overview
- Regional wildlife authorities say there is no basis to remove the cubs because a female bear is with them, and the Moscow-area nursery says it will not take them.
- The Forestry and Hunting Ministry is inspecting employees of OOO ChOO Veteran for intentionally feeding the animals, which officials say changed their natural behavior.
- Governor Vladimir Solodov ordered tougher regional penalties for feeding wild animals, with amendments to the administrative code already in preparation.
- The government announced a specialized orphaned-cub rehabilitation center of more than 80 hectares in Elizovsky District planned by the end of 2026, led by the Nature Defenders Conservation Fund.
- Experts warn that feeding erodes fear of humans and discourages hunting, while a local animal group reports the two cubs appear of moderate condition and return to the forest in the evenings.