Three bear cubs frolic in Estonian farmyard, unfazed by people nearby
Three bear cubs were filmed playing in a farmyard in Vanamõisa, Harju County, seemingly unbothered by people trying to shoo them away. Experts note that bear litters are growing larger, and caution is advised.
Last Saturday, three bear cubs were caught on camera strolling around the yard of a farmhouse in the village of Vanamõisa, Harju County. The cubs appeared unfazed by the presence of people, who were loudly trying to scare them off. The video, shared on the Estonian Hunters' Society's Facebook page, was filmed by a member of the Ardu hunting association. It shows the cubs being curious rather than aggressive, with no mother bear in sight.
According to zoologist and large carnivore researcher Tiit Maran, bear litters have been increasing in size. A decade ago, it was common to see a mother with one or two cubs, but this year trail cameras across Estonia have captured several mothers with three or even four cubs. Maran notes that while Estonia's bear population is generally peaceful towards humans, the behavior of both species is evolving, and more frequent encounters raise the risk of negative outcomes.
A forecast by hunters suggests the bear population could grow by 5–10 percent annually, a fact used by culling proponents to justify continued or increased culls. In the most recent culling season last fall, 28 bears were hunted out of a quota of 71. Culls have sometimes been suspended due to court injunctions. A recent high-profile report of a bear attack on a human was met with skepticism.
The Environmental Board states that brown bears in Estonia usually do not intend to attack humans. If a bear stands up or makes a bluff charge, it is often trying to assess the situation or scare off a perceived threat. The best way to stay safe is to avoid encounters: make noise in the forest, watch for bear signs like claw marks or tracks, and keep dogs on a leash. If you see a bear cub, back away slowly, as its mother is likely nearby.
