Bear incidents 2026: which routes are closed and how it impacted tourism

Why trails are being closed this year

During August‑September 2026 Russia recorded a noticeable uptick in bears venturing toward people. Experts link the trend to a poor harvest of nuts and berries – the animals are hunting for food closer to villages and holiday bases. Fifteen regions introduced restrictions, and in several national parks access was shut down completely.

Affected areas

Altai Biosphere Reserve (Altai Republic)

• All ecological and educational routes are closed until the end of the season.
• Reason – several attacks, including an incident involving a female tourist at a tent camp near the village of Artibash.
• Access to the well‑known Uchary waterfall is suspended: the crossing points and safety ropes have been removed, making the trail unsafe for now.

Irkutsk Oblast – “Circum‑Baikal Railway and Olkhon Plateau”

• Since 28 August permits for six popular routes have been halted, among them the tracks from Darki Pad to Angasol and from the Crossing to the railway.
• The trails wind through forests down to Baikal’s shore, rocky outcrops and pebble beaches where bears have often been seen drinking.
• The railway itself keeps running, but tourist hikes are temporarily limited.

National Park “Krasnoyarsk Pillars” (Krasnoyarsk Krai)

• From 7 September night‑time visits through the three main entrances were banned.
• After roughly twenty bear‑sighting reports in August, the park shut completely on 25 September.
• The ban stays in force until early November, covering every entrance, including the routes to the “Bobroviy Log” fan‑park.

Tunka National Park (Buryatia)

• Initially only the “Silver Lake” and “Artemyeva Lake” trails were limited to groups with a licensed guide.
• As of 17 September all ecological routes are closed, with the restrictions extended through 23 October inclusive.

National Park “Alkhanay” (Zabaikalsky Krai)

• Full entry has been suspended since 4 September.
• The park is famous for its Buddhist shrines, cliffs and thermal springs, but regular bear appearances forced the shutdown of every service – from lodging to excursions.

How the closures hit the tourism business

• According to the Central Bank, Siberia saw a rise in trip cancellations after the bear incidents.
• Camps and nature zones in several districts stopped taking guests, denting local operators’ revenues.
• Despite the limits, rail transport in Irkutsk Oblast continues, letting travelers plan trips to other parts of the region.

What to do if you meet a bear

1. Don’t travel alone. A group hike lowers the chance of a surprise encounter.
2. Talk while you walk. Regular conversation and ordinary noises let a bear know you’re there.
3. Store food properly. Keep cooked meals and waste away from tents, using bear‑proof containers.
4. Stay away from cubs. A mother may be nearby and will defend her young.
5. Stay calm if you see one. Speak in an even tone, back away slowly, never turn your back.
6. Don’t provoke the animal. Avoid sudden moves, don’t throw objects, and don’t try to snap a close‑up photo.
7. Call for help. If a bear shows up near a campsite or settlement, dial 112.

Planning a trip under the restrictions

• Check the latest alerts on the official websites of the national parks – restrictions can change.
• Look for alternative routes in neighboring regions where no limits are in place.
• When choosing a tour operator, ask which trails are open and what safety measures they provide.
• If you still decide to venture into a closed area, do it only as part of a licensed group with an experienced guide.

Bottom line

The surge in bear encounters in 2026 led to the shutdown of key tourist routes across five large Siberian regions. The move dented demand and earnings in the tourism sector, but it also reduced the risk of human‑bear conflicts. When you plan a trek, rely on official sources, follow basic wilderness etiquette and stay ready for possible changes in trail availability.

Based on materials from: atorus.ru.