Animal World

The bears of Kamchatka

The Kamchatka Peninsula is known for its breathtaking northern nature full of volcanos, hot springs, endless tundra, impassable forests and protected lands, which are teeming with wild animals. This is turf where the great and mighty brown bear reigns strong and people can meet him almost anywhere – in the forest, mountains, valleys, rivers or a lake – these are all bear territory. The area around Kuril Lake is a particularly good place to observe such wildlife. Every year, at the end of summer, thousands of bears come here in search of Pacific salmon. Giant schools of salmon travel to the lake in order to lay eggs and are met by these sharp-clawed, hungry landlords who tirelessly feast on fish. Such a filling food-fest helps local brown bears to build up the fat reserves they need in order to spend the winter in hibernation. During this time the bears are so involved in their intense fishing spree that they pay almost no attention to curious tourists, providing visitors with a chance to catch a glimpse into the fascinating lives of these wild beasts.

Presenter Igor' Maksimenko

Year 2013

Duration 00:14:20

Presenter Igor' Maksimenko

The Kamchatka Peninsula is known for its breathtaking northern nature full of volcanos, hot springs, endless tundra, impassable forests and protected lands, which are teeming with wild animals. This is turf where the great and mighty brown bear reigns strong and people can meet him almost anywhere – in the forest, mountains, valleys, rivers or a lake – these are all bear territory. The area around Kuril Lake is a particularly good place to observe such wildlife. Every year, at the end of summer, thousands of bears come here in search of Pacific salmon. Giant schools of salmon travel to the lake in order to lay eggs and are met by these sharp-clawed, hungry landlords who tirelessly feast on fish. Such a filling food-fest helps local brown bears to build up the fat reserves they need in order to spend the winter in hibernation. During this time the bears are so involved in their intense fishing spree that they pay almost no attention to curious tourists, providing visitors with a chance to catch a glimpse into the fascinating lives of these wild beasts.

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