It’s illegal to hunt bears in Mongolia. However, in Selenge Province it is allowed the use of guns against bears for self-defence or when protecting another person. The Selenge decision came after a 55-year-old man and his 8-year-old son were killed in a bear attack in Yeruu Soum of the province earlier this month. On that occasion, the animal ripped its way into the ger.

Bears are entering areas where people are living due lack of food, said experts. The recent wildfires across the border in Russia, seem to have led to bears wandering south into Mongolia in search of food.

In recent week, footprints and bear feces have been noticed on the Bogd Mountain, south-west of Ikh Tenger area – where the Presidential Residence is located, and south-east of Zaisan, a district of Ulaanbaatar. Climbers and walkers are warned to beware!