Now the prickly rodent lives no closer than 2,000 kilometres away, but its remains - recently dated - are scattered in caves of the Altai Mountains.
Increase in production expected after the government halts imports from countries imposing sanctions.
Thousands of hectares of land ablaze with no signs of a let-up.
The pink bird was 5,330 kilometres off course when it landed in subzero Krasnoyarsk region.
Night blaze engulfs Siberian centre despite prompt response by fire service.
Plane schedules disrupted, residents warned to stay indoors, sailors had to use GPS to get back to land because of thick smoke fumes from raging forest fires.
People feel better about themselves and their lives, defying the international stereotype of Siberia.
Problems may not be over yet, warn meteorologists, as police are on high alert in 14 areas.
Made from the splintered ribs of cows or horses, one is still capable of making music.