Kamchatka Brown Bear

Kamchatka brown bears are one of the largest species of bears in the world. They live on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the far east of Russia. Males can weigh up to 1,540 pounds and measure 10 feet long.¹ On July 17, 2008, a pack of 30 Kamchatka brown bears attacked and killed two security guards on duty at a mining company. The geologists working in the mine remained trapped.²

Fast Facts

1. Similar to the American Grizzly Bear³
2. One of the world's largest bears
3. Live on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia
4. Estimated population: 12,000¹
5. Normally feed on salmon
6. Poaching caused a decrease in the number of Pacific salmon²

Attack on Miners

On Thursday, July 17, 2008, a pack of approximately 30 hungry Kamchatka brown bears attacked and ate two men who were security guards for a mining company.² Following the attack, a team of geologists refused to leave the camp in fear of the bears. Rescue helicopters were unable to reach the site due to bad weather.⁴ A team of snipers were sent to the area and rescuers may not reach the camp until Saturday, July 26.¹

Environmentalists claim the lack of fish led the bears to starve and turn aggressive²

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