Brown bears in Chukotka did not hibernate at normal times due to a thaw

Brown bears in Chukotka have not yet hibernated at their usual time this year.

The delay may be due to a prolonged thaw.

VLADIVOSTOK, October 6 – RIA Novosti. Brown bears in Chukotka this year have not yet hibernated at their usual time, this may be due to a prolonged thaw, reports the regional Wildlife Conservation Service.

“From the bear trails on the Bering Sea coast, it is clear that the bears are not going to hibernate. Usually this happens in late September - early October, but now the predators are in no hurry,” the report says.

It is noted that this is also due to a prolonged thaw, which may force the bear to delay hibernation. In addition, the physical condition of the animal plays a role: old and well-fed bears usually go to bed earlier, young and thin ones - later.

The service adds that game managers and ecologists are predicting where bears will be found and developing precautionary measures.

Earlier, the government of Chukotka told RIA Novosti that the brown bear population in the region has increased from 3,453 to 3,730 individuals since last year. The authorities sent a number of proposals to the Ministry of Natural Resources to regulate the number, including the abolition of limits on the production of this animal and the extension of the hunting period for it.