VIDEO: 'Hit and Run'. Mother Bear and Her Cubs Terrified by Pursuing Car

Incidents of cruel treatment towards animals continue to be recorded in Armenia. On July 24, a video was released, reportedly filmed in the Vayots Dzor region. The video shows three bears walking along the road, frightened as they flee from a pursuing vehicle, while another car nearly runs the animals over.

The animals visible in the video are likely a bear and her two cubs that were returned to nature by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values (FPWC) in the Vayots Dzor region as part of a Bear Rescue Program after undergoing long-term rehabilitative therapy.

The conversation of the individuals involved indicates that this incident represents a manifestation of cruelty towards the animals. One of them states, 'Hit and run,' while the mother bear and her two cubs continue their terrified flight from the following vehicle. A second vehicle soon appears, which almost strikes the animals.

According to Article 92 of the Armenian Code on Administrative Offenses, administrative liability is imposed for cruelty towards animals. Article 92 states: 'Cruel treatment of animals leading to their destruction or deformation, as well as torturing animals, results in fines for citizens ranging from fifteen to fifty times the minimum salary, and for officials, from eighty to one hundred times the minimum salary.'

It is worth noting that recently in the Areni community, a bear entered the populated area and caused damage to the residents; however, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values refuted information stating that these were the bears returned to nature, based on GPS tracking data that monitors the animals' movements.

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is listed in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia, and currently, the species is also included in the IUCN Red List (version 3.1) with a status of 'Least Concern'. According to IUCN criteria, it is assessed as 'Vulnerable' VU B2ab (iii,iv). According to educational data, it has a very large range (Eurasia and North America). It is found in the regions of Ararat, Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Tavush, Lori, Kotayk, and Gegharkunik. Occasionally, it can enter the Shirak and Aragatsotn regions.

It should be noted that this publication serves as a report of a criminal offense, thus the environmental information website EcoNews.am calls upon the attention of the Armenian police and other law enforcement bodies.