Bears usually settle into winter dens in late September or early October. Timing also depends on age and condition.
Brown bears in Chukotka have not gone into hibernation at their usual time. The regional wildlife service says they normally settle into dens in late September or early October. A prolonged thaw may be delaying them this year.
The animals’ condition also affects timing. Older, well-fed bears tend to den earlier, while younger and thinner ones do so later. Wildlife officers and environmental specialists are forecasting denning areas and preparing safety measures.
The Chukotka government said the regional brown-bear population rose from 3,453 to 3,730 over the past year. Authorities sent proposals to the Natural Resources Ministry on managing numbers, including removing harvest limits and extending the hunting season. Two bear attacks on people were reported in the region this year. Both men were hospitalized.