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Russia Plans New Measures to Curb Brown-Bear Population After Fatal Attacks
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Government Announces New Bear-Management Plan
On September 30, the Russian government said it was drafting “priority measures” to address a surge in brown-bear numbers that officials say has led to a spate of deadly encounters. The plan is expected to raise hunting quotas, set regional population limits, grant local authorities expanded powers to control bear numbers, and allocate additional financing to the most affected areas.
Background: Rising Bear Numbers and Recent Fatalities
Since early spring, at least 22 people have been killed by brown bears across Russia, according to the RIA state news agency. The most recent victim was a 23-year-old man gathering berries in Kamchatka; a week earlier, a woman in Siberia died after a bear entered her garden. Experts cited in Russian media link the uptick in attacks to climate-related changes—shorter, milder winters and an early, dry spring that reduced berry supplies—forcing bears to seek food in human-occupied zones. They also point to human practices such as leaving food waste exposed and ignoring safety guidelines.
Data & Statistics
- Brown-bear population: more than 308,000, a rise of over 100 % in the past three decades (environment ministry data).
- Krasnoyarsk region: home to nearly 27,000 bears, the highest regional concentration reported.
- Human fatalities: 22 deaths since spring 2024, per RIA.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that a growing bear population “creates more problems” and called for systemic measures to enable safe coexistence between humans and wildlife. He indicated that the forthcoming measures will target both population control and the allocation of resources to high-risk regions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is clear that as the population grows, so too does the number of problems. Systemic measures are needed to ensure that humans and animals can coexist safely and to maintain the necessary balance,” — Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry — Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev
The announced actions aim to balance ecological concerns with public safety as Russia confronts an unprecedented bear-human conflict.
