Russia's Bear Population Booms, Attacks Surge

Russia's brown bear population has more than doubled over the past three decades, contributing to a concerning rise in human-bear encounters and attacks. As of October 4, 2026, authorities have recorded 59 attacks this year, resulting in 21 deaths and 38 injuries across 22 regions, a notable increase from previous years.

Experts point to several factors driving these encounters, including a growing bear population, shortages of natural food like nuts and berries, and easy access to human waste from open dumps. Bears accustomed to human food can lose their natural caution, becoming more dangerous.

In response, Russian authorities are considering new measures. These include potential additional federal funding for regions struggling with bear numbers and regulatory changes that could allow quicker action, such as removing brown bears from hunting limits. Lawmakers are also proposing a public map to track predator proximity to communities.

Similar issues are being reported in other countries, including Japan, North America, and Europe, with common causes being expanding bear populations, reduced natural food availability, and increased access to human food sources. The brown bear has long been a cultural symbol of Russia, appearing in folklore, literature, and heraldry, and later becoming an international stereotype of the country.