Brown bears have begun emerging from hibernation on the Kamchatka Peninsula. According to the directorate of the natural parks "Volcanoes of Kamchatka," the mass emergence occurs at the beginning of the month. Large males are the first to wake up, followed by females with cubs.

In the first few days after hibernation, the predators hardly look for food — they live off their fat reserves, of which about two-thirds remain. That's why freshly awakened bears have little need to eat. Later, they may head to the coast, where they feed on whatever they can find: voles, marine debris, and sometimes they hunt at seal rookeries or scavenge dead animals.

For tourists, this is a time of maximum caution — the forest masters are full of energy and unpredictable. The security service of the "Volcanoes of Kamchatka" natural park strongly advises following a few simple rules: always look around carefully, do not approach a bear, do not get in its way, and if you discover fresh tracks, change your route.

If you do encounter a bear, do not run or try to get closer. Stay calm and slowly move aside. Any signs of a predator should be reported immediately to the park administration.

Photo: Evgeny Karpov