In Chukotka, the population of brown bears is growing and their visits to people have become more frequent

Brief retelling from RIA II

In Chukotka, the brown bear population is growing: from 3,453 individuals in 2025 to 3,730 this year.

Due to the weak salmon run, bears change their usual routes and come out to people in search of food.

Bear hunting is unpopular, so the animals are losing fear of humans and are increasingly appearing near populated areas.

VLADIVOSTOK, September 25 – RIA Novosti. Brown bears in Chukotka are increasingly coming out to people due to an increase in the population, the unpopularity of hunting this predator, and also because of the weak salmon run, reports the Department of Natural Resources and Ecology.

“Why are bears increasingly coming out to people? Firstly, the population is growing: if in 2025 there were 3,453 bears living in Chukotka, then this year there are already 3,730. Competition for territory is intensifying, young animals are being forced out and begin to look for food where people are. Secondly, the fish movement is weak,” the report says.

It is noted that salmon is the bear’s main food in summer and autumn. When there is little fish, the animal changes its usual routes and comes to where there is a smell of food: to reindeer herds, garbage containers, cemeteries and the villages themselves. The third reason is that hunting a predator is not popular today, and the animal is losing fear of humans.

The department notes that Bear Patrol operates in most communities. Game managers also regulate the number of animals.