[Regnum] The decline in interest in bear hunting is leading to bears losing their fear of humans and increasingly approaching people. Pavel Glazkov, a PhD in biology, spoke with Regnum News Agency about this.
According to the expert, the increased frequency of bear attacks is primarily due to the growing predator population. One effective way to control the animal's population is hunting, which has become less popular.
"In recent years, interest in bear hunting among hunters across Russia has been declining, and it's only going to get worse. This is due to several factors. First, bear hunting is expensive. Second, our hunters are getting older. The average age of a hunter is over 50," Glazkov noted.
The biologist added that bears are most often hunted for trophies, and most hunters over 50 have already harvested their pelts. Bear meat has a distinctive flavor, so not everyone eats it.
"Hunting isn't just about population control, although that's a significant factor. When a bear is hunted, it begins to fear humans. A bear should fear humans. If a bear starts wandering around constantly, it means it's not afraid of humans and considers itself the master of the territory. This is an extremely dangerous situation," Glazkov pointed out.
The agency's source reminded that a separate license is required for each bear hunt. In cities and towns located within hunting areas, the predator problem is quickly resolved. It is much more difficult to deal with the animals in populated areas located within specially protected natural areas.
"Specially protected natural areas include nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural monuments, and national parks. Obtaining a hunting permit in a specially protected natural area is extremely bureaucratic. It takes months. Bears often run amok in these protected areas. The bear understands that they are not being hunted here, and that no one is bothering them," Glazkov concluded.
Zoologist and game warden Mikhail Krechmar previously told Regnum News Agency that the solution to the problem of conflict bears would be to return to the practice of culling them on a voluntary basis. He added that to effectively control bear populations, it is necessary to create conditions for the more rapid elimination of animals that pose a danger to humans.
Related:
Bear 09/27/2026 Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Seen Flying On F/A-18 Super Hornet For The First Time
Bear 09/27/2026 A bear attacked two men in Buryatia, and they were hospitalized
Bear 09/26/2026 Russia is fighting bears. In some regions, people are being restricted because of the predators
Bear 09/27/2026 Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile Seen Flying On F/A-18 Super Hornet For The First Time
Bear 09/27/2026 A bear attacked two men in Buryatia, and they were hospitalized
Bear 09/26/2026 Russia is fighting bears. In some regions, people are being restricted because of the predators