Mongolia and Russia are closer to bears

Bears are now a factor in strengthening the long-standing ties of friendship between Russia and Mongolia. Mutual experience in the face of common bear danger is invaluable. Here the Mongolian authorities, like many subjects of the Russian Federation in Siberia and the Far East, temporarily canceled excursions and festivities in the taiga zones due to a sharp jump in the activity of the brown predator.

In addition, logging and harvesting of berries, mushrooms and nuts are stopped. The relevant order was issued by the Ministry of Environment Protection and Climate Action after consultation with the heads of departmental bodies and all regions of the country.

In early 2026, Mongolian authorities recorded 745 cases of bears entering people in 11 aimaks, the capital and special regime zones. It is noted that predators often return to already visited settlements. Females with cubs are often noticed in residential areas. Following the death of a man in a bear attack near Ulaanbaatar, other aimaks and districts must take steps to neutralize the threat of human contact with these animals. “In the relevant locations, mass events and tourist routes should be canceled, as well as the logging and collection of berries, mushrooms and nuts should be stopped,” the environmental agency warned.

According to the source, most often bears come to people in the border regions with the Russian Federation, where the main forests of Mongolia are located. In aimak Khanty, neighboring the Trans-Baikal Territory, 209 such cases were registered, and in Dornoda - 13. In the adjacent areas of Salenge and Khubsugul, the number of incidents was 86 and 65, respectively. At the same time, in the last episode, the predator was detained alive. In the border with Tuva aimak Uvs found 10 more cases of the appearance of these animals in settlements. One animal was seized after it crossed the border between Mongolia and Russia and another was shot dead after attacking livestock.

Foreign tourists, most of whom by the end of 9 months of 2026 are Russians, are advised to refrain from traveling, especially alone, to areas where bears were spotted.