Taiga

The main cordon "Tayozhny" is the headquarters of the Forest Service.
Ivan Volkov is located 18 km north of the Main Cordon "Taiga".
Mikhail Sedov is located 26 km northeast of Ivan Volkov.
Ruslan Aymashev is located 31 km east of Mikhail Sedov.
Alexey Mironov is located 24 km southeast of Ruslan Aymashev.
Egor Belyaev is located 27 km south of Alexey Mironov.
Sergey Klimov is located 22 km southwest of Yegor Belyaev.
Andrey Lavrov is located 29 km west of Sergey Klimov.
Nikolay Orlov is located 25 km northwest of Andrey Lavrov, closing the outer circle.
Northern dangerous sector (patrol in pairs)
Viktor Sokolov and Oleg Danilov are on duty 42 km north of Ivan Volkov.
Their area is considered one of the most dangerous due to the large number of cursed places.
Eastern sector
Artyom Zaitsev and Konstantin Gromov are located 39 km east of Ruslan Aymashev.
They control old mines, abandoned villages and several sacred sites.
Southern sector
Ilya Belov and Roman Chernov are located 37 km south of Yegor Belyaev.
Their area runs along swamps and large rivers.
Western sector
Maxim Trofimov and Denis Frolov are located 44 km west of Andrey Lavrov.
They guard old logging areas and the most active poaching routes.
Each forest ranger maintains constant radio contact with their neighbors. The nearest hut is always reachable within 3-6 hours on foot, or much faster by ATV, snowmobile, or SUV. If one ranger fails to respond within the designated time, an alarm is raised in three neighboring areas, after which a search party is dispatched. This rule has saved many lives and has become one of the most important laws of the Kolyma Taiga Forest Service.

Communication between all units of the Forest Service of the Kolyma taiga is maintained around the clock. Each forester is equipped with a portable radio station, and each hut is equipped with a stationary long-range radio station, a backup radio station, a satellite phone and an autonomous power supply system. All cordons and huts are united by a single radio network with the Main Cordon, which allows you to maintain constant communication even in the most remote areas of the taiga. Each forester has his own permanent callsign. For example: "Wolf-1" (Main Cordon), "Buran-2", "Typhoon-3", "Groza-4", "Lynx-5", "Storm-6", "Grom-7" and others. Call signs are assigned to foresters for the entire service life and do not change unless necessary. Radio sessions are held daily at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 21:00. During the session, each forester is required to report his location, the condition of the site, weather conditions, the results of patrols and all incidents. If there is no communication at the set time, the Main Cordon immediately makes an attempt to call again, after which it notifies the nearest foresters. For emergencies, there is a single emergency frequency, which is listened to around the clock by all foresters and the Main Cordon. It is allowed to transmit only distress signals, reports of forest fires, animal attacks, emergencies or threats to life. During radio conversations, extraneous conversations, false messages, the use of profanity and the transmission of unverified information are prohibited. Each message should be brief, understandable and begin with the callsign of the caller and the caller. In areas with increased mystical activity, unexplained radio interference, distortion of voices and transmissions of unknown origin sometimes occur. Such cases are prohibited from ignoring and they must be recorded in the communication log, after which they are transferred to the Forest Service Incident Archive for further investigation.

The Search and Rescue Service is one of the most important units of the Forest Service of the Kolyma taiga. Its main task is to search for and rescue lost people, injured foresters, hunters, tourists, residents, expedition participants and everyone who is in danger. Upon receipt of a distress signal at the Main Cordon, an alarm is immediately announced and preparations for the search operation begin. If the message is received during daylight hours, the search and rescue team immediately moves to the scene. If a person disappeared after dark, active searches, as a rule, are postponed until dawn, since the night Kolyma taiga poses a mortal danger even to the most experienced foresters. An exception is allowed only in case of an immediate threat to life or by order of the head of the Forest Service. The search group includes experienced foresters, dog handlers with service dogs, paramedics, and, if necessary, drones, off-road vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, motor boats and helicopters are involved. All actions are coordinated from the Main Cordon through a single radio communication network. If the search takes place in areas with increased mystical activity or near cursed places, the composition of the group is reinforced by the most experienced foresters and a shaman, and the operation is carried out in compliance with special security measures. There is a main rule among the employees of the service: "At night, the taiga does not belong to a person. The search will begin at first light, unless life itself requires you to go out immediately." Thanks to the professionalism of foresters and their faithful service dogs, many human lives are saved every year even in the most inaccessible corners of the Kolyma taiga.

Forest fires are one of the most serious threats to the Kolyma taiga. During the dry season, lightning, prolonged heat, careless handling of fire or deliberate arson can cause fire. The Forest Service monitors the fire situation around the clock, using observation towers, patrols, drones and messages from foresters. In case of detection of smoke or open fire, the nearest forester is obliged to immediately transmit an alarm signal to the Main Cordon, after which additional forces, special equipment and, if necessary, fire aviation are sent to the scene. To contain the spread of fire, mineralized strips are created, glades are cleared and portable fire extinguishing equipment, motor pumps and tank trucks are used. During major fires, the Forest Service organizes the evacuation of people, protects settlements, cordons, foresters' huts and sacred places. However, there is a belief among old foresters that some fires occur for no apparent reason and do not obey ordinary laws. Such fires can suddenly disappear, change direction in spite of the wind, or surround a person without harming the trees around. All such cases are thoroughly investigated and recorded in the Forest Service Incident Archive. Regardless of the origin of the fire, every forester knows that a delay of even a few minutes can lead to the death of huge areas of the taiga and its inhabitants, so the fight against forest fires remains one of the most important tasks of the Forest Service.

The Kolyma taiga lives according to the harsh laws of nature, and each season completely changes its appearance, dangers and the behavior of its inhabitants. Winter lasts most of the year and is accompanied by severe frosts, deep snow, blizzards and short daylight hours. Many roads become impassable, rivers are covered with thick ice, and survival requires maximum preparation. It is in winter that many mystical entities are most active, and nights are considered especially dangerous. Spring comes slowly. Snow begins to melt, rivers flood, swamps and impassable areas appear. Animals are waking up, and with them the ancient forces that have long been hiding under the snow. Summer is short, but full of life. The taiga is covered with dense greenery, berries and mushrooms ripen, animals, insects and most expeditions are activated. Despite the favorable weather, mystical phenomena do not disappear, but only become less noticeable during the day. Autumn brings prolonged rains, cold fogs, strong winds and early frosts. The animals are preparing for winter, and the forest is gradually sinking into silence. It is in autumn that inexplicable disappearances of people most often occur, and shamans consider this period to be the time when the border between the world of humans and the world of spirits becomes especially thin. Regardless of the season, the taiga itself remains the main owner of the Kolyma taiga, and only those who respect its laws can expect to return home safely.

The weather conditions of the Kolyma taiga are severe and unpredictable. Within one day, clear weather can be replaced by strong winds, snowfall, downpours or thick fog. In winter, the temperature often drops below -50 degrees, and severe blizzards can hide roads, trails and any landmarks in a matter of minutes. In spring, floods and river floods occur, turning many parts of the taiga into impassable swamps. In summer, the forest suffers from heat, thunderstorms, heavy rains and forest fires, and in autumn the taiga is enveloped in cold fogs, prolonged rains and the first frosts. Sudden weather changes that can take a person by surprise away from shelter are especially dangerous. That is why foresters constantly monitor forecasts, conduct observations and warn residents, hunters and expeditions about the impending danger in a timely manner. Among the locals, there are stories about unusual weather phenomena that cannot be explained by the usual laws of nature. In some areas, thick fogs may suddenly appear that are not marked by any forecast, localized snowstorms, strange thunderstorms without clouds, or areas of abnormal cold. Such cases are recorded in the Forest Service Incident Archive and belong to the category of unexplained phenomena. Every forester knows a simple truth: in the Kolyma taiga, the weather can become no less dangerous an enemy than predators or evil spirits.

The forester's working day begins early in the morning with a mandatory radio communication session with the Main Cordon and neighboring foresters. After receiving operational information and weather reports, he checks the weapons, vehicles, means of communication, equipment and condition of the service dog, after which he goes to patrol his area. During the day, the forester examines forest paths, monitors the fire hazard situation, identifies traces of poachers, checks the condition of huts, winter quarters, bridges and crossings, accompanies expeditions, helps lost people and monitors compliance with the rules for visiting the taiga. All detected incidents, unusual finds and changes in the area are recorded in the service log and transferred to the Main Cordon during the next radio session. Before dark, the forester is obliged to return to his hut or the nearest cordon. After sunset, exit to the taiga is allowed only by order, distress signal or in case of emergency. In the evening, a final communication session is held, during which each forester reports on the situation in his area. At night, the forester remains on duty, maintaining constant readiness for emergencies. Upon receipt of an alarm signal, he is obliged to immediately move to the rescue, regardless of weather conditions, distance and level of danger. The main principle of the Forest Service remains one rule: the safety of people, the protection of the taiga and mutual assistance always stand above personal interests.

Medical care in the Kolyma taiga is organized by the Forest Service and is provided around the clock. At the Main Cordon there is a fully equipped medical center, where a paramedic and medical personnel are constantly on duty. There are medicines, bandages, emergency equipment, equipment for diagnosing and stabilizing the condition of the victims, as well as a supply of blood, oxygen and everything necessary to prepare for evacuation. Each forester undergoes mandatory medical training and knows how to provide first aid for wounds, fractures, burns, frostbites, hypothermia, animal bites and other emergencies. During patrols, each jungler always has an extended health kit. In case of severe injuries or a threat to life, a search and rescue operation is immediately organized, and the victim is taken to the Main Cordon or evacuated by helicopter to the nearest medical facility. All cases of injuries, diseases, animal attacks and unexplained incidents are necessarily recorded in the medical journal of the Forest Service. There is a rule among foresters: "Do not leave your own people." Therefore, when a distress signal is received, the nearest foresters are immediately sent to help, regardless of the time of day, weather conditions and the danger awaiting them in the depths of the Kolyma taiga.

Forest trails and routes form a complex network of paths connecting the Main Cordon, other cordons, foresters' huts, winter huts, sacred places and remote areas of the Kolyma taiga. All routes are divided into open, service and closed. Open trails are allowed for locals, hunters and expeditions accompanied by foresters. Service routes are used exclusively by Forest Service personnel for patrols, cargo deliveries and search and rescue operations. Closed routes pass through cursed zones, areas with high mystical activity or especially dangerous areas and are accessible only by order of the head of the Forest Service. Each route has its own number, length, category of difficulty and checkpoints. In the most important directions there are signs, bridges, crossings, small shelters and places for radio communication. Foresters regularly check the condition of the trails, clear debris, repair crossings and update navigation marks. However, there are old forest trails whose origins are unknown. They can suddenly appear or disappear, change direction and lead travelers to unfamiliar places. Experienced foresters never go to such trails without a serious reason, and local residents and expeditions are strictly forbidden to use them unaccompanied. There is a rule among foresters: "If a path appeared where it was not yesterday, it is no longer a human path."

The map of the Kolyma taiga is one of the most important documents of the Forest Service and is constantly updated as the terrain changes and new objects appear. Full versions of maps are stored only at the Main Cordon, and each forester is given a detailed map exclusively of his site and adjacent territories. The map shows the Main Cordon, all cordons and foresters' huts, service routes, forest roads, winter roads, rivers, lakes, swamps, hills, passes, bridges, hunting trails, winter quarters, abandoned villages, camps, sacred places, cursed zones, known dens of large predators, places of frequent fires, search and rescue routes, landing sites for helicopters and radio communication points. Separate conventional signs indicate areas with increased mystical activity, where only experienced foresters or special groups are allowed. The maps are regularly updated with new data obtained during patrols and expeditions. Any changes in the terrain, the appearance of unknown objects, new trails or anomalous zones are immediately plotted on the map and transmitted to the Main Cordon. A complete map of the Kolyma taiga is considered a strategically important document of the Forest Service, and its copying or transfer to unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited. There is a rule among foresters: "A map will show the way, but only experience will tell you if it is safe."

Legendary foresters are called employees of the Forest Service, whose names have forever entered the history of the Kolyma taiga. These are people who have been guarding the forest for decades, saving lives, fighting the most dangerous predators and facing something that cannot be explained. Their stories are studied by young foresters, and their experience is passed on from generation to generation. Many of them were awarded state awards, but among the foresters themselves, the highest honor is the respect of comrades and the gratitude of the rescued people. Legendary foresters are well aware of the laws of the taiga, never violate the Code of the Forest Service and are respected not only among people, but, according to old shamans, even among some spirits, including the leshy. It is believed that a real guardian of the forest is able to pass where another person will certainly die. Many legendary foresters have decades of service, hundreds of rescued people and thousands of kilometers of routes traveled. Some died in the line of duty protecting people or their comrades, and their names are forever recorded in the Forest Service Book of Remembrance. Others continue to serve, mentoring young employees and passing on to them the knowledge accumulated over many years. There is an old saying among foresters: "What makes a forester legendary is not the number of years he has lived, but the number of people he managed to return home." Their names are known to every employee of the Forest Service, and stories about their exploits have long become part of the legends of the Kolyma taiga.

All the huts of the foresters form a single network of strongholds covering the territory of the Kolyma taiga. Each hut is equipped with a stationary long-distance radio station, a backup radio station, an autonomous power source and a high antenna that provides stable communication with neighboring foresters and the Main Cordon. Each forester is obliged to get in touch according to the established schedule and report on his situation, weather conditions, the condition of the site and all detected incidents. If one of the foresters does not get in touch at the appointed time, the dispatcher of the Main Cordon immediately tries to establish a second contact with him. In the absence of a response, the nearest foresters are ordered to check his plot and, if necessary, organize a search and rescue operation. The distance between neighboring huts is usually from 20 to 50 kilometers, which allows you to come to each other's aid relatively quickly. In the event of an emergency, any forester has the right to announce a general alarm, after which the nearest employees immediately go to him. Despite the reliability of the equipment, in some areas of the taiga, unexplained radio interference, strange noises, unknown voices or signals without an identified source sometimes occur. Such cases are necessarily recorded in service logs and transferred to the Forest Service Incident Archive for further study. Communication between huts is considered one of the most important components of security, because in the endless Kolyma taiga, a timely radio session often saves human lives.

Inexplicable cases are an integral part of the history of the Kolyma taiga. Despite the development of technology, means of communication and many years of experience of foresters, some events have not yet received a reasonable explanation. Over the decades of service, there have been cases of people and entire expeditions disappearing without a trace, the discovery of empty camps with untouched belongings, the appearance of unknown traces of enormous size, strange radio transmissions without an identified source, inexplicable lights in the middle of the night forest, silhouettes between trees, the sudden disappearance of the sounds of nature and cases when compasses, clocks, navigators and radio stations stopped working at the same time. Some foresters and hunters have reported encounters with goblins, witches, spirits, ghosts, and other creatures that cannot be explained scientifically. Such incidents are carefully documented and submitted to the Forest Service Archives for study. Each message is checked, and an additional group of foresters is sent to the site if necessary. Many cases remain unexplained years later and receive the status of "Unexplained Incident". The Forest Service does not jump to conclusions, but treats such reports with the utmost seriousness, since practice has repeatedly shown that the most incredible eyewitness stories often turn out to be true. There is an unspoken rule among foresters: "If the taiga has shown you something inexplicable, survive first, and you can look for an explanation later."

The Forest Service Incident Archive is a closed document repository located at the Main Cordon. Only the head of the Forest Service, senior foresters and employees who have received special permission have access to it. The archive stores reports on search and rescue operations, investigations, disappearances of people, encounters with unknown creatures, anomalous phenomena and other incidents that occurred on the territory of the Kolyma taiga. Many materials are classified as "For Official Use" or "Top Secret" and never leave the archive. Over the decades of service, thousands of documents, maps, photographs, audio recordings of radio conversations, diaries of foresters, patrol logs and witness testimonies have accumulated here. Some cases remain unsolved for many years. Among them are expeditions that have disappeared without a trace, camps found empty, inexplicable radio signals, unknown traces of enormous size, encounters with leshys, witches, spirits and other creatures whose existence is not officially recognized. Every jungler, after returning from patrol, is obliged to report all unusual events, even if they seem unbelievable. Any strange find, unknown tracks, anomalous behavior of animals or unexplained phenomena must be recorded in service logs and transferred to the archive for further study. The archive is constantly updated with new materials and serves as the main source of knowledge for all foresters. Before going to dangerous areas, employees often study old records to find out what their predecessors encountered. There is an old saying among foresters: "If a case is archived, it means that someone has already encountered it before. If there is no record of him, be prepared to meet the unknown first." That is why the archive is considered one of the most important objects of the Main Cordon and carefully preserves the secrets of the Kolyma taiga, accumulated by many generations of foresters.

Each forester of the Forest Service of the Kolyma taiga is provided with a full set of service equipment, which allows him to autonomously perform tasks in the harshest conditions. The standard equipment includes a service uniform for the season, a waterproof suit, warm winter equipment, high boots, a backpack, an unloading vest, an extended first aid kit, an individual radio station, a satellite phone, a GPS navigator, paper maps of the area, a compass, signal flares, flashlights with spare batteries, binoculars, a night vision device, a thermal imager, a multitool, a hunting knife, a tourist axe, a folding saw, a rope, carabiners, a flint, waterproof matches, A kettle, a thermos, a flask, a supply of food for several days, a filter for water purification, a sleeping bag, a tent, a camouflage net and an emergency kit for long-term autonomous survival. Each forester is also armed with service firearms, ammunition and self-defense equipment necessary to protect himself and other people. An integral part of the service is service dogs, specially trained in searching for people, detecting wild animals, working on the trail and warning of danger. According to experienced foresters, many dogs are able to feel the presence of evil spirits in advance, thanks to which they have saved their owners from death more than once. All equipment is regularly checked before each exit to the taiga, since even a forgotten flashlight, walkie-talkie or first aid kit can cost a person his life in the endless forests of Kolyma. For a forester, equipment is not just a working tool, but a guarantee of survival, because in the taiga any mistake can be the last.

3 UAZ "Patriot" patrol SUVs, 2 UAZ SGR ("Bukhanka") vehicles, a GAZ "Sadko NEXT" truck, a KamAZ-43118 off-road truck, 4 ATVs, 6 snowmobiles, 3 motor boats, 2 PVC inflatable boats with outboard motors, an MTZ-82 tractor with attachments, a mini-excavator, 2 trailers for transporting ATVs and snowmobiles, 2 trailers for delivering water when extinguishing forest fires, a mobile repair shop, 2 diesel generators, chainsaws, brush cutters, motor pumps, backpack forest fire extinguishers, blowers, a set of digital radio stations, satellite communications, GPS navigators, thermal imagers and unmanned aerial vehicles (quadcopters) for patrolling, searching for people, monitoring forest fires and detecting illegal logging.

The main cordon is located on the outskirts of a small forest village, next to a year-round road and a river. This location allows you to supply the cordon with fuel, food and equipment all year round, as well as quickly send equipment to any part of the forestry. Cordon is the administrative and operational center of forestry, which controls an area of more than 3,000 km². Under his command are several remote cordons and wintering places located in the taiga at a distance of 30 to 120 kilometers. On the territory there is an administrative building with a control room and a cartographic hall, a residential building for foresters, a canteen, a bathhouse, a medical office, a garage with a repair shop, fuel and equipment depots, an armory, enclosures for service dogs, a weather station, a radio mast, a backup diesel power plant and a helipad. At the disposal of the cordon there are SUVs, an off-road truck, ATVs, snowmobiles, motor boats and trailers for transporting equipment. All equipment is kept in constant readiness. The dispatch center maintains communication with remote cordons around the clock. Each forester is obliged to get in touch according to the schedule, reporting on the situation in his area. Electronic maps of the forest, patrol records, fire hazard control and coordination of search and rescue operations are maintained here. The main cordon is the heart of the forestry, providing protection of forests, fighting fires, illegal logging, poaching and providing assistance to people working in the depths of the taiga. This is where each patrol begins and ends, and in case of emergencies, it is from here that the actions of the entire forest service are coordinated.

The forest service consists of 18 rangers who guard the entire mystical Kolyma taiga. Each is assigned a territory of 250 to 500 square kilometers. The distance between neighboring huts is 20 to 50 kilometers, allowing the rangers to come to each other's aid within a few hours if necessary. In the most dangerous areas, two rangers patrol, while the quieter territories are patrolled by a single person. Each ranger has their own hut, a radio tower, transport, an assigned dog, and a permanent call sign for communication. They all communicate daily with the nearest cordon and neighboring rangers.
Composition of the Forest Service:
Senior forester Ivan Volkov and German shepherd Buran.
Senior forester Mikhail Sedov and East European Shepherd Typhoon.
Forester Ruslan and German Shepherd Groza.
Forester Alexey Mironov and German Shepherd Lynx.
Forester Egor Belyaev and the husky Sever.
Forester Sergei Klimov and German Shepherd Storm.
Forester Andrey Lavrov and husky Ugol.
Forester Nikolai Orlov and German Shepherd Grom.
Forester Pavel Ershov and the husky Vyuga.
Forester Dmitry Kornev and German Shepherd Bars.
Patrol group: Viktor Sokolov and Oleg Danilov with shepherd dogs Lord and Metel.
Patrol group: Artem Zaitsev and Konstantin Gromov with the likes Tuman and Skif.
Patrol group: Ilya Belov and Roman Chernov with shepherd dogs Yar and Volk.
Patrol group: Maxim Trofimov and Denis Frolov with the huskies Sever and Buran.
Each forest ranger maintains constant radio contact with their neighbors. The nearest hut is always reachable within 3-6 hours on foot, or much faster by ATV, snowmobile, or SUV. If one ranger fails to respond within the designated time, an alarm is raised in three neighboring areas, after which a search party is dispatched. This rule has saved many lives and has become one of the most important laws of the Kolyma Taiga Forest Service.

Expeditions regularly venture into the depths of the Kolyma taiga to conduct scientific research, geological exploration, mineral prospecting, study rare animals and plants, and investigate unexplained phenomena. They may include scientists, geologists, biologists, cartographers, rescuers, journalists, and government officials. However, no expedition is allowed to venture into the taiga without the support of forest rangers. Forest rangers are responsible for choosing a safe route, setting up camp, communicating with the nearest outpost, and ensuring the safety of the participants. Before each expedition, a mandatory briefing is held, during which everyone is explained the rules of conduct in the taiga and what to do if they encounter dangerous animals or mystical phenomena. Any deviation from the route is prohibited without the permission of the senior forester. If the expedition loses contact, the Forest Service immediately organizes a search and rescue operation. At nightfall, all work ceases, and participants are required to remain in camp or the nearest forester's hut. Exceptions are permitted only in cases of immediate danger to life. Many expeditions return with unique discoveries, but others disappear without a trace, leaving behind only empty tents, abandoned equipment, and a multitude of questions that the Kolyma taiga still offers no answers to.

Cursed places are the most dangerous areas of the Kolyma taiga. Their exact number is unknown, and maps of their locations are kept only by senior foresters and shamans. These territories are officially closed to visitors, and approaching them without special permission or extreme necessity is prohibited. Even experienced foresters try to avoid such places unless required by duty. In cursed places, compasses often stop working, watches gain or lose speed, radio communication is lost, and thick fog appears even in clear weather. People experience inexplicable anxiety, hear whispers, notice silhouettes between the trees, and feel someone's gaze on them. It's easy to lose track of time here, and familiar paths can lead completely inappropriately. According to legend, it is in such places that the most ancient and powerful entities of the taiga dwell. Even the forest spirit avoids many of them, considering these lands alien. Shamans claim that cursed places arose after ancient catastrophes, bloody events, or broken taboos that existed long before the advent of humans. The Forest Service's main rule is: "If an area is declared cursed, do not enter it without orders. If orders are received, never go alone." Every expedition to such places is conducted only by a well-trained group of foresters, as danger there stems not only from the harsh natural environment but also from forces that defy human laws.

Rules of the Kolyma Taiga

1. Respect the taiga. It does not forgive arrogance and carelessness.
2. Never leave the trail unless necessary.
3. Don't walk through the taiga alone unless you have sufficient experience.
4. Before sunset, try to reach the forester’s hut, winter hut or other safe shelter.
5. After nightfall, do not leave the shelter unless absolutely necessary.
6. Do not answer a voice unless you see the one calling you.
7. Do not follow strange lights, silhouettes or shadows in the forest.
8. Do not disturb sacred places, ancient temples and shamanic idols.
9. Do not take things found in abandoned villages and camps without a good reason.
10. Do not break trees or harm nature unnecessarily.
11. If the forest suddenly becomes silent, stop immediately and remain calm.
12. Don't shoot without reason. Every shot carries far across the taiga.
13. Always communicate your route before going into the forest.
14. If you get lost, don't panic. Stay where you are and contact someone if possible.
15. When meeting a wood goblin, do not show aggression and do not try to chase him.
16. Don't laugh at ancient beliefs. In the Kolyma taiga, many legends turn out to be true.
17. If you meet a forester, follow his instructions without question. His word is more important than any order in the taiga.
18. Conserve fire, water, and supplies. In the taiga, even the smallest detail can save your life.
19. Do not disturb the peace of the forest without reason. Here, man is only a guest.
20. Remember the main rule of the Kolyma taiga: the forest can forgive a mistake, but rarely forgives overconfidence.

The Kolyma Taiga Forester's Code

1. The taiga was always here before man and will remain here after him. Respect its laws.
2. Protecting nature and saving human life is the highest duty of every forester.
3. Don't leave a person in trouble, even if you have to risk your own life.
4. Never go into the taiga unprepared. Always have a weapon, radio, first aid kit, and extra provisions with you.
5. After sunset, leave the hut only on command, duty, or in case of extreme necessity.
6. Do not open the door at night to someone who asks to be let in until you are sure that the person in front of you is really a person.
7. Do not answer voices coming from the forest unless you see the one calling you.
8. Don't follow lights, whispers, or silhouettes in the thicket, no matter how real they may seem.
9. Respect sacred places, do not disturb ancient temples and do not take what belongs to the taiga.
10. If the forest suddenly becomes silent, stop. It's a warning, not an accident.
11. Trust your experience, but never think that you know the taiga better than it does.
12. Always report at the appointed time. The forester's silence means alarm.
13. Remember your plot and be responsible for it as you would for your own home.
14. The forester's hut is a refuge for anyone seeking salvation. Don't refuse to help those in need.
15. If the taiga gives you another sunrise, it means it has allowed you to stay. Don't abuse its favor.
    The motto of the Kolyma taiga foresters: "We are not the masters of the taiga. We are its guardians."

Night in the Kolyma taiga completely changes the familiar world. With sunset, the forest seems to awaken, and the boundary between reality and the spirit world becomes thinner. Daytime paths are lost in the darkness, thick fog obscures landmarks, and sounds carry for miles. It is at night that evil spirits become most active. Leshys, witches, spirits, ghosts, and other entities emerge from their shelters, freely roaming the taiga in search of random travelers. Experienced foresters, hunters, and local residents try to return to their hut, winter hut, or other sheltered location before sunset. Being in the forest at night without a serious reason is considered mortally dangerous. It is not recommended to answer unfamiliar voices, follow lights in the thicket, follow strange silhouettes, or leave shelter before dawn. Even if cries for help or the voice of a familiar person are heard behind the door, it is forbidden to open it, as evil spirits often use deception to lure their prey. Foresters are an exception. If duty demands rescuing a lost person, putting out a fire, apprehending poachers, or providing assistance, they are obliged to venture into the taiga at night. However, even the most experienced foresters do so only in the most extreme cases, fully aware that after sunset, the forest ceases to function according to human laws. With the first rays of the sun, most mystical creatures lose their power and disappear back into the depths of the taiga, allowing the forest to briefly regain its familiar appearance. For the residents of Kolyma, there is a simple rule: those who spend the night under a safe roof have a chance to see the dawn. Those left alone in the forest may never return home.

Protection of a forester's hut: Every forester's hut is considered an inviolable refuge. During the construction of a house, according to ancient tradition, shamans perform a special protective ritual, and consecrated amulets are placed above the doors and windows. This ensures that no evil spirit, wood goblin, witch, ghost, werewolf, or other creature of evil spirits can cross the threshold of the hut without the owner's voluntary invitation. Evil spirits may surround the house, watch from the darkness, knock on the walls, scratch at the windows, howl at the door, try to break it down, or intimidate those inside, but they are unable to penetrate the hut. The oak door, shutters, walls, and roof are protected not only by the strength of the wood but also by ancient magic, so they remain unharmed no matter the strength of the attack. Even the most powerful entities are forced to wait outside until a person voluntarily leaves the safe haven. That's why foresters' huts are considered the last islands of safety in the mystical Kolyma taiga, and every traveler knows that if you manage to reach the nearest forester's hut before dark, you can survive the night without fear.

A forester's hut serves as a home, a stronghold, and the last safe haven in the forester's assigned area of ​​the Kolyma taiga. Each hut is built of thick logs, designed to withstand harsh frosts, strong winds, and long years of service. The sturdy oak front door is reinforced with metal plates and locked with three heavy bolts. Sturdy wooden shutters are installed on the windows, capable of protecting the house from inclement weather and intruders. Small bags containing amulets, crafted by shamans or the foresters themselves according to ancient northern traditions, hang above the door and near the windows. Inside the hut are a large Russian stove, providing warmth even in the most severe frosts; a spacious cellar with food supplies; shelves filled with books on survival, hunting, medicine, botany, and local history; a small armory with hunting and service weapons; a safe with ammunition; long-range and short-range radios; a work desk by the window with terrain maps and observation logs; two sturdy wooden chairs; a bed; a wardrobe; and everything necessary for long-term independent living. Outside, there is a spacious shed for tools and equipment, a bathhouse, a woodshed, a well, a small vegetable garden, and a utility yard. A communication tower rises nearby, providing reliable radio communication between neighboring forest rangers and the central cordon. Solar panels are installed on the roof, powering lighting, communications equipment, and other necessary equipment. Each hut is assigned to a specific forester, who is responsible for their section of the taiga, patrols it regularly, helps lost people, monitors the forest's condition, and is the first to encounter any threats lurking in the depths of Kolyma. For most foresters, their hut is more than just a home, but a true fortress where they can find protection from the harsh elements and wait out the most dangerous nights.

Sacred sites are the most ancient corners of the Kolyma taiga, where, according to legend, the boundary between the human and spirit worlds is particularly thin. These include ancient shamanic temples, stone idols, solitary centuries-old trees, sacred groves, high cliffs, caves, mountain passes, lakes, and springs, which local peoples have worshiped for generations. These places are considered the domain of the spirits who rule the taiga and are therefore treated with deep respect. Here, it is forbidden to make noise, break trees, light unnecessary fires, desecrate the land, take found objects, or destroy ancient structures. Shamans perform rituals here, leave offerings, and ask the spirits for protection, successful hunting, and well-being. Foresters and experienced hunters also observe these traditions, believing that violating ancient taboos can bring misfortune not only to the offender but also to their companions. According to legend, the leshy and other spirits guard sacred sites with particular zeal, and anyone who comes here with evil intentions risks becoming lost forever in the vast Kolyma taiga or disappearing without a trace. For local residents, sacred sites are not just monuments to the past, but living corners of the taiga, where ancient forces continue to maintain their eternal silence.

Abandoned camps are scattered throughout the Kolyma taiga, reminders of the people who once attempted to conquer this harsh land. Among the dense forest, one can encounter old logging camps, geological camps, abandoned winter huts, mining settlements, and the remains of camps from the Kolyma development era. Most of the buildings have long since been destroyed by time: roofs have collapsed, walls are covered in moss, equipment has rusted, and trails have been completely swallowed by the forest. However, some camps look as if they were abandoned only recently. Inside, one can still find furniture, tools, old documents, stoves, dishes, and personal belongings of former inhabitants. Local residents and foresters try not to linger in such places after sunset. At night, footsteps, the sound of axes, creaking doors, the barking of dogs, or distant human voices can sometimes be heard here, although there is not a living soul nearby. Shamans believe that some camps stand on sites with a difficult history, where restless spirits still roam. For this reason, many prefer to avoid them, not disturbing the peace of the past. There's an old saying in the Kolyma taiga: "Not every camp is abandoned. Some are simply awaiting new guests."

Shamans are the guardians of the ancient traditions of the northern peoples and intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds. Their knowledge is passed down from generation to generation and includes ancient rituals, healing, the art of communicating with spirits, and an understanding of the laws of the taiga. They live far from large settlements, preferring secluded camps, sacred groves, or small huts deep in the forest. Locals hold shamans in deep respect, turning to them for advice, healing, and protection from evil forces. Shamans believe that every forest, lake, river, and mountain has its own spirit master, with whom one must live in peace. They perform rituals to appease the spirits, bless hunters before their hunt, help the lost find their way, or cleanse the site of an inexplicable event. Even experienced foresters and hunters often heed the words of shamans, especially when it comes to ancient temples, cursed sites, or the domain of the Leshy. According to legend, the most powerful shamans are able to see spirits, communicate with them, enter the world of dreams, and sense approaching disaster long before it occurs. They do not seek to rule the taiga, understanding that humans are merely guests here. Their main task is to maintain the ancient balance between people, nature, and the mystical forces hidden in the endless forests of Kolyma.

Hunters are an integral part of life in the Kolyma taiga. Many were born and raised in the harsh northern forests, learning from their fathers and grandfathers. They navigate the taiga with exceptional skill, knowing how to read tracks, predict the weather, find safe trails, and survive far from civilization. Their primary prey includes moose, reindeer, hare, wood grouse, and other legally permitted game. Most hunters respect nature, harvesting only what they truly need. They are well versed in the unspoken laws of the taiga and never kill animals for sport. A common belief among locals is that the forest watches over every person. Before setting out on a hunt, some hunters leave a small offering to the Master of the Taiga or silently greet the forest, asking for a successful hunt and a safe return home. They avoid ancient temples, do not disturb strange places, and try not to answer voices coming from the thicket. Veteran hunters say that sometimes you can encounter a leshy, who can both confuse the trails and lead a person to salvation if they treat the forest with respect. This is why experienced hunters are considered not only masters of their craft but also guardians of old traditions, remembering that the true master of the Kolyma taiga is not human at all.

Abandoned villages are scattered throughout the Kolyma taiga, silent witnesses to the past. Foresters, hunters, geologists, gold miners, and their families once lived here, but the harsh climate, remoteness, and the passage of time forced them to abandon these places. Today, all that remains of most settlements are ramshackle huts, rusty machinery, dilapidated bridges, old wells, and overgrown cemeteries. Despite decades of neglect, some houses look as if their owners left only recently. Locals avoid such villages, believing they belong not to people, but to the taiga. At night, they sometimes notice dim lights in the windows of empty houses, hear creaking floorboards, footsteps, and quiet conversations, even though there is not a living soul around. Foresters advise against lingering in such places after sunset, and veteran hunters advise never taking found items or disturbing abandoned dwellings. According to legend, some villages are protected by a leshy or ancestral spirits, who continue to watch over them even after many decades. Those who show respect for these places usually leave unharmed. But those who come with greed or malicious intent can be punished by the taiga, forcing them to disappear forever into the endless Kolyma forests.

Poachers are one of the main threats to the Kolyma taiga. They illegally hunt rare animals, harvesting valuable fur, horns, hides, and other natural resources, with little regard for the law or consequences. Many operate in small, well-armed groups, possessing intimate knowledge of the forest, using SUVs, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, traps, and modern equipment. Some are former hunters or guides, allowing them to evade capture for long periods. Forest rangers wage a constant battle against poachers, regularly conducting raids and destroying illegal camps. However, the danger to poachers isn't limited to the law. Veteran residents claim the taiga is unforgiving of those who kill for profit. Abandoned campsites are increasingly being discovered, with equipment, weapons, and machinery intact, but without a trace of their owners. The few who manage to return tell of strange voices, silhouettes among the trees, wandering lights, and the feeling of being constantly watched. Some swear they've seen the Leshy himself or other spirits of the taiga protecting its inhabitants. Therefore, even the most experienced poachers avoid venturing too deep into the forest, where, rumor has it, human power ends and the domain of the ancient masters of the forest begins. Many believe that greed is often the cause of their deaths or disappearances without a trace.

The foresters of the Kolyma taiga are considered the elite guardians of the wilderness. Their service demands not only physical endurance but also a deep understanding of the laws of the forest. They patrol vast territories, protect animals from poachers, extinguish forest fires, accompany expeditions, and search for missing people in places others dare not tread. Each forester is highly skilled in the use of weapons, knows how to survive in any conditions, read tracks, navigate without a map, and live for weeks far from civilization. Among the residents of the surrounding villages, the foresters are highly respected. They are considered capable of finding their way even through the most impenetrable thicket and bringing home those who have almost been claimed by the taiga. Local hunters often turn to them for advice, and elders say that a true forester must know not only the laws of the state but also the ancient laws of the taiga itself. Experienced foresters never laugh at stories of leshy, forest spirits, or other inexplicable phenomena. They know that certain paths are best avoided, that it's forbidden to make noise near old temples, break sacred trees, or take items found in abandoned winter huts. Many leave a small offering to the Master of the Taiga at the roots of ancient trees, asking for a safe journey and a safe return. Old foresters say that the Leshy rarely harms those who treat the forest with respect. Sometimes he even guides lost people to the trail or saves them from mortal danger. But those who approach with greed, cruelty, or disrespect may never be released by the taiga. Therefore, foresters are not only protectors of nature but also guardians of the ancient balance between humans and the forces that have lived among the Kolyma forests since time immemorial. Their duty is not to destroy the unknown, but to maintain order, so that people and the taiga can coexist without violating each other's boundaries.

Leshy, the master of the forest, able to change shape and lead travelers astray; Abaasy, evil spirits of Yakut legends, hiding in the remote taiga; Yuyor, restless souls of the dead; spirits-masters of rivers, lakes and mountains; shamanic patron spirits; Chuchuna, a wild humanoid creature that avoids people; forest ghosts that appear in thick fog; will-o'-the-wisps that lure travelers into the swamps; hermit witches who live in old huts deep in the forest and possess ancient knowledge of herbs, curses, spirits and rituals; sorcerers who have made a pact with the dark forces; werewolves hiding among ordinary animals; Shadows of the Ancestors, guarding sacred places; spirits of abandoned winter huts and camps; Raven-Messenger, considered a guide between the worlds; and also the Great Master of the Taiga, an ancient spirit to whom hunters and foresters have since time immemorial left offerings in exchange for safe passage and a successful hunt.

Brown bear, wolf, lynx, wolverine, elk, reindeer, musk deer, fox, snowshoe hare, sable, Siberian weasel, ermine, squirrel, chipmunk, otter, mink, Arctic fox (in northern regions), beaver, muskrat, and numerous small rodents are found here. Birds include wood grouse, black grouse, hazel grouse, willow ptarmigan, eagle owl, owls, tawny owls, hawks, golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, ravens, nutcrackers, and woodpeckers. The rivers and lakes are rich in grayling, lenok, whitefish, pike, burbot, perch, and other fish species. The flora is rich: larch, spruce, pine, dwarf pine, birch, aspen, willow, juniper, wild rosemary, lingonberry, bilberry, blueberry, cranberry, cloudberry, various mushrooms, mosses, and lichens. This harsh region remains home to numerous animal and plant species, perfectly adapted to the long, frosty winters and short northern summers.

The Kolyma taiga is inhabited not only by familiar animals but also by creatures whose existence cannot be explained. Brown bears, wolves, lynxes, wolverines, moose, reindeer, sables, foxes, eagle owls, and many other animals inhabit this region, but they are far from the most dangerous inhabitants of this land. Ancient spirits of the taiga lurk deep within the forest, guarding their domain. They can confuse paths, forcing people to wander for hours in one place, or, conversely, lead them to salvation. Tall, dark silhouettes, known as the Masters of the Taiga, sometimes appear among the trees. They are almost impossible to see, and after their appearance, the forest is plunged into deathly silence. At night, strange blue lights flicker over the swamps, luring travelers into perilous places. In abandoned winter huts and old camps, footsteps, quiet voices, and creaking floorboards can be heard, even though there is not a living soul around. Old shamans say that ancient beings sleep beneath the permafrost, and the taiga itself is a living organism, watching over all who dare enter its domain. Only those who respect the forest and its ancient laws survive here.