Brown bear is the largest predator in Belarus. It was once on the verge of extinction, but today its population is growing steadily, and encounters with humans are becoming more frequent. In this article, we will tell you where Belarusian bears live, how many there are now, why hunting them has been allowed, and what to do if you encounter a bear in the forest.

How many bears are there in Belarus and where do they live

According to the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the brown bear population in the country has reached 700 individuals. At the same time, according to operational data from hunters, as of June 1, 2026, 1,491 animals have already been accounted for. This is a significant increase compared to the 1980s, when the population was estimated at only 80-130 individuals.

Bears in Belarus are distributed unevenly. The main part of the population — about 74% — is concentrated in the Vitebsk region in the north of the country. Another 23% inhabit the Minsk region, and 3% the Mogilev region. Bears are encountered sporadically in the south of the country — individual bears enter the Pripyat Radiation and Ecological Reserve, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, and the Pripet National Park.

Notably, in 2023, the brown bear was first recorded in the Pripet National Park in more than 60 years. This indicates the gradual expansion of the predator's range to the south.

From the Red Book to hunting season

Until 2025, the brown bear in Belarus was under strict protection and included in the Red Book with the highest category of environmental significance. However, due to the increase in population, its status was changed to category IV — \"potentially vulnerable species\".

Since May 21, 2025, Decree No. 420 of the President of the Republic of Belarus has been in force, amending the rules of hunting. The bear and the lynx have been given so-called \"binary status\": they remain red-listed species, but can be classified as game animals if necessary to regulate their numbers.

In 2025, the first hunting season on bears was opened with a limit of 47 individuals. In 2026, the season started on July 1 and will last until December 31. The total limit for 2026 is 35 individuals, with the planned removal in eight hunting areas in the Vitebsk and Minsk regions.

The decision to open hunting sparked discussions. Representatives of hunting organizations assert that it is a forced measure due to the increase in conflicts between bears and humans. Ecologists, on the other hand, believe that hunting will not solve the problem, and artificial feeding on hunting grounds, on the contrary, may accustom bears to humans and increase the number of dangerous encounters.

What to do if you encounter a bear

Experts warn that encountering a bear in Belarusian forests is no longer rare, especially in the Vitebsk region. The predator is usually not aggressive and tries to stay away from humans, but in certain situations, it can be dangerous. Extra caution is needed when encountering a sow with cubs, during the mating season, and with a wounded or hungry bear in the spring after emergence from hibernation.

What to do:

• If the bear does not notice you, quietly leave without attracting attention, or go around it in a wide circle.
• If you meet the bear at close range, do not panic, do not run, do not turn your back and do not look the bear directly in the eyes.
• Speak to the bear in a calm, confident tone, let it know that it is a human in front of it. You can whistle, clap your hands.
• Move away slowly, first backwards 10-20 meters, then sideways. If your movement provokes the animal, stop in place.
• If the bear stands on its hind legs, this is not always a sign of aggression. It may be looking around or sniffing. Do not make sharp movements.

Indicators of an impending attack include pinned ears, fluffed fur on the neck, a snarl, and a tense posture. If contact cannot be avoided — fall to the ground, lie on your stomach or curl up into a ball, cover your head with your hands, and remain motionless as long as possible. If the aggression continues — protect yourself with any available means, strike the animal in the eyes and nose, use a pepper spray.

Living next to such a large predator is a great responsibility and respect for the wild nature. But remember: cases of bear attacks on humans in Belarus are rare, and the likelihood of suffering from a forest animal is extremely low.

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