The Kamchatka population of wild reindeer is currently in an active fattening period within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve. In the tundra, these animals must gain sufficient body mass to participate in the upcoming mating season, endure the long autumn migration to winter pastures, and survive the snowy season in the mountains. Before ascending to their high-altitude wintering grounds, the reindeer need to reach optimal physical condition. They are actively foraging on local vegetation, primarily grasses, berries, and legumes that produce fat-rich seeds.
As the reindeer accumulate energy reserves ahead of their migration, they face constant harassment from biting pests – a variety of blood-sucking flying insects. Although mosquito populations remain relatively low due to windy conditions in the tundra, black flies, biting midges, horseflies, and botflies are highly active. To escape these insects, the ungulates seek refuge in the waters of the Kronotsky Estuary or on the remaining snowfields of the mountains and hills surrounding the tundra.