Spate of deadly bear attacks in Russia leaves 35 people dead
Russia’s brown bear population has more than doubled to 308,000 over three decades, partly due to milder winters and, reportedly, fewer hunters as some have joined the military fighting in Ukraine.
A surge in fatal bear attacks has claimed the lives of 35 individuals in Russia since the beginning of spring, according to RIA state news agency, with the latest fatality reported on Wednesday in Kamchatka. This marks a significant increase from the previous 22 deaths as of early October. Russia's population of brown bears has more than doubled over the past three decades, currently standing at 308,000.
Factors such as shorter and milder winters have contributed to this population growth. In some regions, managing bear numbers has proven challenging, and the government announced in September its intention to ease regulations for bear culling. Alexei Tsydenov, the head of Russia's Buryatia region, where at least two people have been killed by bears this year, suggested that rising bear populations and the surge in human attacks may be linked to hunters enlisting in the military due to Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
Other contributing factors, according to Tsydenov, include a poor harvest, forest fires, and a decline in Chinese demand for bear products like bile and paws. Currently, Russia is utilizing only 27% of its bear culling quota. A zoologist, Mikhail Krechmar, speaking to the state TASS agency, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing these additional factors.
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- Spate of deadly bear attacks in Russia leaves 35 people dead freemalaysiatoday.com
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