In Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula, a young female brown bear has become a local celebrity for her remarkable weight gain ahead of the winter hibernation. The three-year-old bear, named Glasha, has packed on an impressive 50 kilograms (110 pounds) in just over six weeks, showcasing her exceptional skills as a fisher at the world-renowned Kuril Lake in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve.
This precise data comes from an innovative monitoring project launched by the nature reserve. In July, staff installed a set of scales along a popular bear trail near the Hakitsyn River, a key salmon spawning area. The system allows scientists and rangers to track the animals’ weight non-invasively, providing crucial insights into how well they are accumulating the vital fat reserves needed to survive the harsh winter in their dens.
According to reserve inspector Liana Varavskaya, Glasha’s weight has soared from 85 kg to 135 kg since mid-July, a feat attributed directly to her fishing prowess. Described as the most talented angler among the local bear population, Glasha is often seen not just hunting for sustenance but also playfully honing her craft and experimenting with new fishing techniques in the river’s bountiful waters.
Beyond her physical condition, Glasha also exhibits unusual social behavior. Reserve staff have noted that she has formed a close, cooperative bond with two other young female bears named Kuzya and Klava. This friendly trio defies the typically solitary and competitive nature of brown bears, adding another fascinating dimension to the life of Kamchatka’s now-famous fishing prodigy.