Four young people aged 18 to 23, descending a mountain trail No. 166 toward Medeu in the dark, heard sounds resembling a bear's roar, became frightened and called rescuers, the website infohub.kz reports.
As the Telegram channel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported, the young people did not dare continue the descent on their own.
"Descending from the mountains, we heard sounds resembling a bear's roar. Frightened, they did not dare continue the descent on their own," the Ministry of Emergency Situations explained.
Rescuers from the Almaty Center for Monitoring and Operational Response, together with police officers, arrived at the scene. They met the young people and escorted them to Medeu.
"They did not need medical assistance. The young people then continued their journey into the city on their own," the ministry added.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds: when heading into the mountains, plan your route in advance, take into account weather conditions and sunset time. Do not stray from hiking trails and gauge your strength.