The Number Of Bears In Belarus Has Risen Sharply
- 13.09.2026, 14:14
Most of the population lives in the eastern part of the Vitebsk Region.
The population size and rate of range expansion of brown bears have increased in recent years. Twenty years ago, the Belarusian population was estimated at 100–200 individuals, and human encounters with them in the forest were rare; now, the population has grown to 1,500 individuals. The number of human encounters with brown bears has increased significantly, and the geographic range of such encounters has expanded. This is reported by experts from the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora.
The Belarusian brown bear population belongs to the European subspecies and is not aggressive toward humans, unlike, for example, the Siberian or Kamchatka subspecies, or the American grizzly bear. Apparently, this trait has developed due to the species’ long-term presence in densely populated areas, causing the animals to be cautious around humans and not to perceive them as prey. Most often, an adult bear detects a human at a distance of 300–400 m and avoids a direct encounter.
Most of the population lives in the eastern part of the Vitebsk Region, as well as in the Borisov and Logoy districts of the Minsk Region. Hunting of these bears will be permitted in these regions starting in 2025.
However, if you encounter a brown bear in the wilderness, you should always remember that it is a large, predatory wild animal that is quite dangerous to humans and whose behavior is often unpredictable.
The greatest danger is posed by: a female bear with cubs; a bear feeding on its prey; males during the mating season (bears have a two-season mating period, occurring in June–July and September–October); a bear while hunting (in pursuit of its prey);
a hungry bear in early spring after emerging from hibernation; a “weakened” bear—one that is sick, wounded, or old.
When attacking, a bear moves at a speed of 30–40 km/h and catches up to its prey in a few leaps reaching 7–8 m. A female bear with young cubs is especially dangerous, as the cubs are naturally very curious and may approach a person. The most dangerous situation is when you find yourself between the female and her cub. Usually, the female bear first tries to drive a person away with tentative lunges, but not always.
The closer you are to the bear when it spots you, the more likely it is to react defensively.
If you spot a bear from a distance—stop, stay calm, and assess the situation. If the bear doesn’t see you, you can leave unnoticed—do so quietly and when the bear isn’t looking your way. Keep a close eye on it. Go around the bear by taking a wide detour, or head back the same way you came toward it.
If you encounter a bear at close range (within 50 meters) and it has spotted you, do not run away, do not turn your back on it, and do not look it in the eyes; but monitor the animal’s behavior and always try to remain calm.
If the bear is moving toward you, watch closely to see if its behavior changes. Try not to look threatening; stop in your tracks. Speak to the bear in a confident tone. Make it clear to the animal that you are human. If the bear cannot recognize who you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or to sniff you.
It’s recommended to make additional noises (whistling, clapping, etc.). Do not run! You won’t be able to outrun a bear. Back away slowly in a backward-walking motion for about 10–20 meters, and only then should you move sideways. If the bear isn’t moving toward you, try to carefully move away. However, if you see that your movement is provoking the bear to approach you, freeze in place. Continue speaking in a calm voice. If the bear stops approaching you, try to increase the distance between you again. At this stage, any bear will most likely back down and leave, unless it is aggressive.
A bear stands on its hind legs for various reasons: for orientation, to intimidate, out of fear, when carrying prey or bedding into its den, or to deliver a powerful swipe with its paw to reach an object. A bear standing with its paws down is usually showing curiosity. Therefore, if the bear stands on its hind legs, it means it is studying you, and under no circumstances should you run, make eye contact, or make sudden movements; it is better to speak in a calm, low voice.
A reliable sign of a bear’s intentions is the position of its ears: if they are erect, the bear is still hesitating; but if its ears are pressed against its head, the fur on its neck is bristled, it appears slightly hunched, its eyes are glowing, it is baring its teeth and trembling, then it is ready to attack.
If you cannot avoid direct contact with the bear—fall to the ground and lie on your stomach or curl up into a ball, hands behind your head, and remain motionless for as long as possible. If the bear senses that the threat has been eliminated, it will stop the attack. If the bear continues its aggressive behavior, you must use every possible means of defense, including pepper spray or other sprays, and strike the bear in vulnerable areas (eyes, nose).