Spate of Deadly Bear Attacks in Russia Has Left 35 People Dead

By Reuters Nov. 11, 2026 Christina & Peter / pexels A spate of deadly bear attacks has left 35 people dead across Russia since the start of the spring, with the latest victim a security guard at a holiday camp in the Kamchatka region, the state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported Wednesday. The number of deaths has risen sharply in recent weeks, rising to 35 from 22 as of early October, according to RIA Novosti. Russia's population of brown bears has more than doubled in the last three decades to 308,000, in part due to shorter and milder winters. Some regions have struggled to control bear numbers and the government said in September it was drawing up measures to make it easier to cull them. Alexei Tsydenov, the head of the republic of Buryatia where at least two people have been killed by bears so far this year, told state TV this month that rising bear numbers and the spike in attacks on humans was partly linked to hunters enlisting in the army at a time when Russia's forces are fighting in Ukraine. Tsydenov, who said there had been an unusual number of bear-related incidents this years, cited other factors too, including a poor harvest, forest fires and a drop in Chinese demand for bear products such as bile and paws. Russia is only using around 27% of its quota limit for bear cullings, zoologist Mikhail Krechmar told the state-run TASS agency in an interview. Russia's hunting and fishing union did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Read more about: Animals Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russian Amendments Legalize Trophy Hunting of Endangered Species, Activists Say The new amendments permit the killing of rare and endangered species in “exceptional cases.” Melting Arctic Forces Polar Bears to Adapt to Land-Based Diet – Russian Scientists Russian researchers say they are seeing fewer malnourished polar bears despite shrinking Arctic ice pushing the animals further south. Rare Deer Mauled to Death by Stray Moscow Dogs Activists blamed Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island)'s new administration for making cuts to its ranger service, leaving the animals vulnerable. Pink and Green Dogs Join Blue Strays on Russian Streets More dogs colored by chemical waste have been spotted across Russian towns.