The number of bears in Belarus has increased 10-fold over the last 14 years

Alexander Kazarez, head of the hunting department of the Ministry of Forestry, told Minskaya Prauda why there are more bears, how to avoid conflicts with them, and why in most cases, humans themselves provoke the animal.

In the Minsk region, the northern districts — primarily Logoisk and Borisov — traditionally serve as the main "bear territory."

"While in 2011 there were only about 120 bears in the country, by 2025 their number reached 1289 individuals. According to statistics, we see an increase of more than 10 times," says the specialist.

There are several reasons for such a sharp increase. Firstly, it is, undoubtedly, natural biological growth due to strict protection under the Red Book.

Secondly, there is a migration of animals to the northeastern part of Belarus from adjacent regions of Russia, for example, Pskov and Smolensk regions. Thirdly, a more accurate animal census: modern technology allows for more precise recording of numbers.

— With the growth of the population, the number of contacts inevitably increases. While in 2021 we had only two reports regarding bears, by 2025 their number grew to 22," notes Alexander Kazarez.

The psychological effect of "bears everywhere" is largely fueled by modern technology. If previously a chance encounter in the forest remained a tale for loved ones, today any eyewitness pulls out a smartphone, shoots a video, and within minutes the viral clip spreads across social networks, creating a feeling of a massive "invasion."

Павялічыць

However, there are also objective reasons why predators have become bolder in approaching human settlements. One of the common factors is the presence of sparsely populated villages.

The disappearance of remote farmsteads and small villages reduces the natural deterrent effect of humans on animals.

At the same time, Alexander Kazarez notes a positive factor: there are practically no large open food dumps near settlements in Belarus. It is clean forests and the absence of accessible garbage food that keeps predators away from conflict situations.

Analysis of conflict situations shows: in most cases, people themselves, albeit unconsciously, provoke the appearance of a bear near their homes.

"— A common example is unfenced and unkempt apiaries near the edge of the forest," explains the representative of the Ministry of Forestry.

"— For a bear, honeycomb with honey and larvae is a real treat. But even a basic primary fence, installing a net, or clearing the area can stop the predator. If the animal persists, special repellents and an 'electric fence' system help. Basic precautionary measures allow minimizing all conflict situations."

Not Every Encounter is Real

The Ministry of Forestry notes: with the increase in the number of bear reports, it is important not only to react to them but also to thoroughly analyze each case. Sometimes an investigation shows that the danger was exaggerated or the encounter with the animal turned out to be entirely fabricated.

Alexander Kazarez cites a curious example from one of the districts of the Brest region, where bears have practically never been seen. A man called the emergency service and reported that a bear was trying to break into his house, attempting to retrieve a cub which the caller allegedly took from the animal two days earlier. However, a simple check showed: neither a cub nor a bear was involved in this story.

If an encounter could not be avoided, the main thing is to remain calm and not provoke the animal. Do not approach the bear, shout, or make sudden movements.

If the animal shows aggression, you can try to visually increase your size — raise your arms or backpack — and loudly announce your presence.

To reduce the likelihood of an unexpected encounter, while walking in the forest, gathering mushrooms or berries, it is recommended to talk and move quite loudly.

Hearing a person in advance, the bear, as a rule, tries to leave and avoid contact.

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