Brown bear hunting begins in the Nizhny Novgorod region on August 1.

      August 1, 2025, 12:00

      [173]

      Society

      Starting August 1, the hunting season for brown bears opens in the Nizhny Novgorod region. It will run until December 31, 2025. This was reported by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife Protection of the region.

      According to current regulations, hunting is only permitted for adult bears. The harvest of bears under one year old, as well as females accompanied by cubs born this year, is strictly prohibited.

      The Minister of Forestry, Roman Vorobyov, emphasized that the shooting of animals is carried out within approved quotas and regional limits. This approach helps preserve the population and utilize natural resources rationally.

      This year, the quota for harvest is set at 399 bears, of which 17 inhabit public hunting grounds. Permits for hunting in these zones can only be obtained through a lottery. The draw will take place on August 7 online on the "Digital Forest" platform.

      As explained by the department, winners will be determined randomly using a number generator. Hunters who have submitted applications on equal terms, as well as those who participated in biological and technical activities, are eligible to participate.

      According to state monitoring data, the bear population in the region continues to grow. In 2024, 1,521 bears were recorded in the forests of Nizhny Novgorod, compared to 1,448 in 2023, and 1,347 in 2022. The largest populations of bears are in the Varnaivsky, Voskresensky, Vetluzhsky municipal districts, and the Semenovsky urban district.

      The ministry reminded that illegal bear hunting is punishable under Article 258 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Offenders who kill a male bear must compensate damages of 180,000 rubles, and those who kill a female — 300,000 rubles.

      Additionally, hunters are strongly advised to strictly follow fire safety requirements. During the fire emergency, setting up campfires, burning trash, and conducting controlled burns are prohibited. When the fire hazard level is high (IV–V), visiting forests is fully banned.

      Violations of fire safety rules during this period carry serious fines: up to 50,000 rubles for citizens, up to 90,000 rubles for officials, and up to 1 million rubles for legal entities. The offender must also compensate for damages caused to the forest fund. Unintentional destruction or damage to the forest may result in criminal liability under Article 261 of the Criminal Code.

      In case of a forest fire, it is necessary to immediately report it by calling the forestry hotline: 8 (800) 100-94-00 or the regional dispatcher service: 8 (831) 430-01-23. Calls are accepted around the clock.

      It was previously reported that nearly 50 cases of illegal fishing have been initiated in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

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