Russia to implement bear population controls after 22 deaths

Russia is considering emergency measures to manage its brown bear population following a surge in fatal attacks that have killed at least 22 people. The proposed interventions include reviewing hunting quotas, establishing regional population limits, granting local authorities more management powers, and increasing funding for affected areas.

The brown bear population in Russia has more than doubled over the last 30 years, reaching approximately 308,000, partly due to milder winters. Experts from the Russian Academy of Sciences suggest that recent spikes in attacks are driven by environmental pressures, including wildfires and a scarcity of wild food sources like berries and pine nuts, forcing bears into populated regions.

In September alone, at least 16 fatal incidents were recorded across the country. Bears have entered residential areas in more than 40 Russian regions, causing significant public concern as animals approach homes and settlements.