Russia faces surge in fatal brown bear attacks

Russia is experiencing a significant surge in brown bear attacks as the animal population has more than doubled since 1990, reaching approximately 307,900 individuals. This population growth, combined with food shortages in the taiga, forest fires, and the attraction of human waste, has driven bears into populated areas across dozens of regions, including Siberia, the Far East, the Volga, and the Urals.

Reports from late summer and early autumn 2026 indicate at least 11 deaths and dozens of injuries. Notable incidents include the death of a 29-year-old woman in the Altai Republic and several fatalities in the Krasnoyarsk Krai. In response to the crisis, authorities have been forced to shoot hundreds of bears to protect residential areas, schools, and tourist sites. In Krasnoyarsk, approximately 80 bears were killed in a two-day period to prevent them from entering homes and schools. Many national parks and tourist centers have also implemented early closures and restricted access to hiking trails to ensure public safety.