December 13th is Bear Day in Russia. Although most bears are asleep in their dens on their holiday, some individuals in the protected areas of Kamchatka prefer fishing to sleep, the Kronotsky Reserve informed the KAMCHATKA-INFORM agency. For example, at Kuril Lake in the South Kamchatka Sanctuary, sockeye salmon spawn until the end of winter. Why shouldn't the bears extend their gastronomic pleasure? Today, at the source of the Ozernaya River, state inspectors periodically see a female bear with three yearling cubs; near the "Ozerny" cordon, a young male is constantly present; and along the river, at least five adult males are fishing.

But it's not just salmon keeping the bears from sleep. On the coast of Olga Bay in Kronotsky Gulf, a rather well-fed bear still takes strolls along the beach, and near the "Kronoki" cordon, another bear is often seen. Most likely, it feeds on marine debris, delicacies like mussels and fish. The exact menu remains unknown, as state inspectors follow safety rules and observe the animal from a distance.

However, they will have to go into winter sleep sooner or later. As explained by Vladimir Gordienko, a researcher at the Kronotsky Reserve, sometimes bears dig their dens in advance and come to a ready-made shelter. Some animals make several dens and later choose, based on conditions, which one is most suitable for spending that particular winter. Occasionally, they create them after the snow has fallen, managing to gather bedding from dry grass, moss, and branches. This is very important for retaining heat. They do not settle into damp dens.