Safety regulations for photo and video shooting of bears

Following the outlined regulations will minimize the possibility of conflict between a man and a brown bear. The majority of the bears that you are going to see in our reserve have already encountered people on numerous occasions. Positive (or neutral) experience of interacting with people has not changed their behaviour. Please, be polite guests! Respect the right of the bears to live on their territory.  

1.1. Follow every instruction that the SPNR (Specially protencted natural reservation) representative gives you. Your safety and the safety of others depends on this. 

1.2. When photographing or recording the bears you must stay as a group close to each other to ensure your safety. Remember that the probability of the bears getting aggressive towards one man is always higher than towards a group. 

1.3. While moving around the reserve do not fall behind or isolate yourself from your group. If you need to stop, please inform the SRNR representative that accompanies your group. 

1.4. It is important to be mindful and understand that during the photographing or recording, your group will be dense, so people will be pretty close to each other.  

1.5. Photograpging or recording must not disturb the animals and/or change their natual behaviour. 

1.6. If you notice that the bears seem to be agitated or worried around you, you need to relocate. This decision will be made by the SRNR representative that accompanies your group.  

1.7. Do not approach the bears and never try to stand beside them, even if you think the bear seems kind or indifferent. Each bear defends their territory and will see you coming closer as a threat. 

1.8. Under no circumstances should you ever touch a bear. Never touch a bear. 

1.9. Do not feed bears. If you do they become tame and tamed bears are certain to die. 

1.10. Do not move fast towards bears. 

1.11. Do not run away from a bear otherwise it will start chasing you.  

1.12. Do not perform any actions that would look for a mother bear like you are following her cubs. Do not stand between a mother bear and her cubs. 

1.13. Do not attract bear by loud noises, sudden and quick movements, throwing objects at them. 1.14. While photographing or recording the animals do not lie down or crawl on the ground, do not hide in the bushes. This can provoke bears to get closer and attack. 

1.15. Do not use flash while photographing or recording  

1.16. Be quiet. Even a small chat can disturb the wild animals and other people. 

1.18. Stay away from smoking. The smoke can disturb the bears and other people.  

1.19. Be a neutral part of the environment you are in. Keeping the safe distance will allow you to see the bears in their natural habitat and stay safe. Remember that numerous short distance encounters with bears numbs the feeling of danger. Always stay alert! 

2.1. Keep the food in sealed containers. The smell of the food can attract the bears. 

2.2. Do not leave the food containers unattended. 

2.3. Do not take smelly foods with you (like cured or smoked meats). 

2.4. Eat at the same time with other people and while there are minimum bears around you. 

2.5. Take the food out of the container only if you are going to eat it right away.  

2.6. Be mindful and make sure the place you group stayed remains clean. Do not litter, do not throw the leftovers on the ground or bury it in the ground. Put the leftovers and the waste in your container and take it away with you. Bears in the reserves and wildlife sanctuaries do not have access to the human food or waste, so they do not see people as a source of food hence do not tend to cause conflicts with people. Please keep this unique balance of the relationship between a human and a bear!