Bears Near People: Causes and What to Do

More and more cases of observed bears in populated areas, villa zones, and near roads in the country are causing concern among the population. Not infrequently, large mammals find themselves face to face with people, which raises questions about the reasons for these encounters and what measures should be taken.

The main factors that prompt bears to approach human settlements are complex. The search for food, as a result of dwindling reserves in the forests, is a key factor. Forest fires also have an impact, forcing animals to seek new territories. Last but not least, the significant growth of the brown bear population in certain regions increases the likelihood of such encounters. Mountainous municipalities in Southwestern Bulgaria and the western parts of Smolyan region are among the areas where these cases are most often observed this year.

Eng. Sashko Popov, director of the Regional Forestry Directorate - Blagoevgrad, explains that the bear is by nature a cautious animal that avoids contact with people. "These animals, which are photographed by people, in most cases are young animals who are not afraid of them," he says. He emphasizes that the most correct reaction when encountering a bear is to remain calm and under no circumstances run at a rapid pace. Running, the specialist warns, provokes the instinct of a predator in the bear and it will start to chase.

An additional problem is the fact that more and more bears do not sleep their winter sleep. Observations by specialists in recent years show this trend, which is again related to meteorological conditions and lack of food.

Dr. Svetoslav Dimitrov, a veterinarian, explains that "with insufficient accumulation of nutritional mass, of fats, the bear will not sleep winter sleep, these are physiological processes". "When there is not enough food in the forest massifs, be it fruits, vegetables or meat, the animal cannot fall into hibernation. It also depends a lot on the temperature, whether there is snow, whether there is no snow," he adds.

Currently, the active hunting season for pheasants, ducks and other bird species is also underway, which further complicates the situation. Visits by hunting teams in the forest force the bears to seek safe places, which often leads them to populated areas. Therefore, experts advise that when encountering a bear, report it to the 112 phone number instead of taking photos.

In an interview for the show "The Day Begins", Eng. Sashko Popov notes that bear populations have been growing steadily in recent years, but have not yet reached the permissible stock. He emphasizes that the presence of bears in populated areas is due to several main factors: the depopulation of mountainous areas, the lack of food in the high parts of the mountain, and the bears searching for food near populated areas.

In conclusion, the increasing number of encounters with bears requires increased awareness and caution on the part of the population. It is important to follow the recommendations of specialists for the correct behavior when encountering these wild animals.