Balakayati bear preserved for display in Soran’s national park following shooting

ERBIL — The Balakayati bear, found shot dead in mid-August in a rugged area of Erbil’s Soran independent administration, has been taxidermized and will soon be displayed at Soran’s Halgurd-Sakran National Park. Due to limited preservation facilities in Soran, the bear’s body was initially transferred to Erbil for the taxidermy process.

Hazhar Mahir, head of the Soran Directorate of Environment, told 964media, “We had to import specific taxidermy supplies from Iran, and the specialist conducting the procedure also came from there. Despite damage to parts of the bear’s body, the taxidermy was completed to the highest standard possible.”

Mahir confirmed, “The preservation is now complete, and the Balakayati bear will soon be placed with full honors at the Halgurd-Sakran National Park for public display.”

In August, the endangered brown bear was found dead in the Balakayati region, with visible bullet wounds that sparked an investigation by local authorities. The body, discovered in Przha, showed clear signs of gunfire, prompting environmental officials to pursue accountability.

Mahir added, “The bear’s body was found in Przha in the Balakayati area, with bullet marks clearly visible.” However, three months after the incident, authorities have yet to identify those responsible or clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Officials believe the bear was killed over a week before it was found, with cold weather aiding in its preservation. The Balakayati region, known for its natural beauty, draws visitors during the summer for its cool climate and scenic landscapes, yet remains a critical habitat for wildlife, including the brown bear. This incident has raised concerns over the safety of the region’s wildlife.

The killing follows the 2021 release of six brown bears on Mount Gara in Duhok by the Kurdish American Cooperation Organization. These bears, previously kept as pets across Iraq, were reintroduced to the wild, sparking mixed reactions about their adaptability and safety.

Brown bears, large mammals of the Ursidae family, are found across northern Eurasia and North America. Although present in nearby regions such as Turkey, Syria, and Iran, populations are dwindling and increasingly fragmented. Known for their powerful build and distinctive shoulder hump, brown bears face persistent threats from habitat loss and human encroachment.