Two men have died in a bear attack in Russia’s Irkutsk region, with their bodies discovered in separate forest areas on October 10.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that Karina Golovacheva, Senior Assistant to the head of the Investigative Department of Russia, confirmed the deaths on October 12.

The body of a 56-year-old man was found near a winter settlement in the area of the Tarea River on the Bratsk Reservoir. Human remains discovered in a forest about 15 km from the village of Kaimonovo in the Nizhneilimsky district were identified as those of a 47-year-old resident of the village of Rechushka. His relatives had reported him missing after he went hunting and failed to return.

Investigators are conducting a preliminary inquiry to establish the circumstances of both deaths.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid forests during the period of increased bear activity.