Local authorities must prevent polar bears from coming to dumps; they must simply comply with the law, Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

On February 9, the Arkhangelsk Region authorities decided to introduce a state of emergency on the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago because of an unprecedented accumulation of polar bears near villages and towns: 52 polar bears were seen near the village of Belushya Guba. Several cases of aggressive behavior were reported where animals attacked people and entered residential buildings and offices.

"Of course, it is easier for a bear to stir up a dump than go hunting. At the same time, shooting them is prohibited. In fact, no one but the local authorities can solve this. They must control the situation and follow the law," Kobylkin said.

According to the minister, when he arrived at Novaya Zemlya Archipelago after the bear invasion, he told local officials: "Read the laws, folks."

"Every site must be enclosed or eradicated if it is an unsanctioned dump. Of course, all of this is in our plans, regardless of the area: Caucasus, Far East or Extreme North. Everyone must carry out this task," the minister concluded.