In the Kirov region, two pensioners survived in the forest for four days after encountering a bear.

      In the Verkhnekamsky district, two elderly mushroom pickers were rescued after spending several days in the forest. The retirees got lost after an unexpected encounter with a bear.

      The disappearance of the 76-year-old husband was reported by his wife on the evening of August 21. The day before, the man had gone mushroom picking in the forest with a 71-year-old neighbor, but they did not return home at the appointed time.

      The search involved police, relatives, emergency services employees, volunteers from "LizaAlert," local authorities, and other volunteers. The forest was searched using service dogs and drones.

      For four days, the search yielded no results. Only on the evening of August 25 did one of the volunteers lead to the retirees — he found them a few kilometers from the village and helped them get back to the road.

      It turned out that during their outing, the mushroom pickers encountered a bear in the forest. Frightened by the animal, the retirees ran in different directions. Later, the man found his neighbor, but they could not get out of the forest together.

      For all four days, the retirees searched for the way out on their own. Experienced mushroom pickers had brought food, water, and matches with them. They spent the nights in makeshift shelters and lit fires for warmth. They did not require medical assistance after their rescue.

      The police thank everyone who participated in the search and remind: before going into the forest, it is necessary to inform loved ones of your route and expected return time, take a charged phone, a navigator, a supply of water and food, as well as matches.

      If you lose your bearings in the forest, it is better not to continue walking aimlessly in an unknown direction. Instead, call 112 and stay in one place. Even if your operator has no signal, the call may go through another operator's network.