“Last year, we passed laws increasing criminal liability for poaching and killing Red Data Book animals. We intend to toughen this punishment further, including by introducing fines and increasing prison terms for those involved in this activity,” Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergei Donskoi said.

He also said the Environment Ministry continues to investigate a recent incident on Wrangel Island. “As for the female polar bear that was so badly abused, we will certainly keep an eye on the situation… On the whole, this subject will be studied further, and we will see to it that it has a logical outcome,” Mr Donskoi said.

The Russian Interior Ministry Department for the Chukotka Autonomous Area opened a criminal inquiry into the cruel treatment of a female polar bear on Wrangel Island pursuant to Part 1 of Article 245 of the Russian Criminal Code. The inquiry is under special control.