Bitlis Governorship issues 'bear' warning!

The brown bears living around Nemrut Crater Lake in Bitlis are the center of attention of citizens visiting the region. With the end of the winter months and the opening of the Nemrut Crater Lake road, the Bitlis Governorship issued a warning to picnickers visiting the region not to come face to face with the bears living here. In the statement made by the Governorship, it was stated that the road to the natural wonder Nemrut Caldera Nature Monument (Nemrut Crater Lake) in Tatvan district was opened to traffic as of 02.05.2025 as a result of the intensive work of the teams affiliated to the Provincial Special Administration. The statement also included the following statements:

"We would like to make some important reminders for visitors to have a safe and nature-compatible experience in the Caldera region: In order not to harm the brown bears living in the Caldera in their natural habitat, the wild animal brown bears should never be approached or hand-fed. These behaviors harm the bears' natural diet and pose a danger to the safety of our citizens. In order not to cause possible forest fires, it is strongly requested that no fires or barbecues are lit in the area. It is of great importance to be sensitive to this issue in terms of protecting the environment. Garbage should not be left in nature, and waste should be collected appropriately. In addition, it is important not to enter the crater lake due to the risk of drowning. It is of great importance to comply with the warnings of our Gendarmerie, Forest Management, Nature Conservation and National Parks officers who work devotedly so that our people can visit safely. Let's not forget that the Nemrut Caldera is a natural heritage that needs to be protected not only with its fascinating views but also with its sensitive ecosystem. Let's protect nature together."