[Regnum] In warm autumns, bears may hibernate later than usual, and if they haven't accumulated enough fat, they may skip their dens altogether and begin searching for food near populated areas. Alexander Lipkovich, biologist, zoologist, and Deputy Director for Research at the Rostovsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve, spoke with Regnum News Agency on Monday, October 26.
Bears in Buryatia have begun hibernating and are appearing less frequently near populated areas. However, the season remains potentially dangerous until the animals have fully denned. According to the expert, in northern regions, bears typically hibernate earlier due to frosts and snow cover. In Central Russia, the timing depends on how warm the autumn is, while in the Caucasus, hibernation typically begins in December.
"Before winter, animals need to accumulate fat reserves, which requires energy-rich feed. In Siberia, this primarily includes pine nuts, in Central Russia, acorns and hazelnuts, and in the Caucasus, beechnuts and other forest fruits," the expert explained.
Lipkovich clarified that even bears that have successfully denned can wake up during thaws.
"If there's a thaw, which is not uncommon in the Caucasus, he might get up and walk around his den, which is about a kilometer and a half in diameter. And if it freezes again, he'll hibernate again," the zoologist explained.
A much more dangerous situation occurs when a bear hasn't accumulated enough fat and can't survive the winter. Such animals may wake up due to hunger or fail to hibernate at all.
"A bear wakes up hungry and very irritable, and then can come to populated areas and attack any living creature, including its own kind. Bears are cannibalistic. Especially large males can devour bear cubs," added specialist Lipkovich.
The expert emphasized that the mass appearance of bears is a serious danger, one that has already been encountered in Siberia. In such conditions, people working in the taiga, including commercial hunters, are particularly at risk. If a bear has accumulated the necessary fat reserves, it usually spends the winter safely in its den until spring.
On October 16, Pavel Glazkov, a PhD candidate in biology, told Regnum News Agency that in October, before hibernation, bears have two tasks: preparing a den and accumulating fat. During this time, the predator may more frequently enter populated areas in search of food.
Zoologist and game warden Mikhail Krechmar previously told Regnum News Agency that the top three regions with the worst bear activity were Primorsky Krai, Krasnoyarsk Krai, and Irkutsk Oblast. In these regions, bears are more likely to approach people due to a food shortage.
Related:
Bear 10/26/2026 A Europe United In Infamy
Bear 10/26/2026 Suspect Arrested in ICE Office Firebombing Attempt Case: ‘Despicable, Terroristic Crime'
Bear 10/26/2026 Rescuers are changing their search rules for missing people in the forests due to bear activity
Bear 10/26/2026 A Europe United In Infamy
Bear 10/26/2026 Suspect Arrested in ICE Office Firebombing Attempt Case: ‘Despicable, Terroristic Crime'
Bear 10/26/2026 Rescuers are changing their search rules for missing people in the forests due to bear activity