The bear rut period is the most risky in relation to conflicts with humans. It is therefore advisable to limit your stay in nature in the early hours of the morning, in the evening and during the night. During the day, it is recommended to avoid moving in dense vegetation, in places with reduced visibility or near food sources. This was stated by the State Nature Protection (ŠOP) SR for TASR.
The bear rut started in mid-April and lasts until July. While male bears live a solitary life throughout the year, during this period they look for females in heat. “The brown bear is a polygamous species, the male follows the female, with whom he stays in some cases for more than three weeks. He then accompanies the female all the time, defending her from other males and even from humans.” state conservationists said.
For guide bears, the rut is a stressful time to protect their cubs. Males usually attack or kill cubs in order to get the bear back into heat. “For this reason, polar bears temporarily leave their home ranges and seek safety in new territories without adult males,” added ŠOP.
State conservationists remind that the risk of encountering a bear is lower during daylight and when moving along marked paths. “Although bears are extremely cautious during the rut and prefer to avoid contact with humans, encounters with humans may occur during this period, as their activity increases during the day as well,” said ŠOP.
