Five brown bears will be culled near the Kamchatka village of Tilichiki following their repeated encroachment on residential areas, which has posed a direct threat to public safety. The wildlife population control measure was initiated by inspectors from the regional Wildlife Protection Service and the leadership of the Olyutorsky Society of Hunters and Fishermen.
Specialists have established strict parameters for the operation – only young males aged between three and five years are targeted. The biological dynamics of the species indicate that younger bears, frequently displaced by larger predators, are the most likely to approach human settlements in search of accessible food sources. The designated teams have until September 13, 2026, to complete the task.
To address the immediate hazard, authorities have expanded the list of permitted hunting methods. Professional teams are authorized to use rifled and smoothbore firearms, employ stalking tactics, organize ambushes, and utilize trained dogs. Nighttime patrols in the forest belt are permitted to operate with thermal imagers, night vision equipment, and artificial lighting devices.
Under the current regulations, participants in the cull may retain the harvested carcasses for personal use without the obligation to surrender them to state authorities. Until the wildlife specialists conclude their operations, residents of the Olyutorsky district are advised to minimize travel outside the settlement and maintain heightened vigilance.