BROWN BEARS OF THE ALMATY NATURE RESERVE EMERGE EARLY FROM HIBERNATION

Brown bears inhabiting the Almaty State Nature Reserve begin to emerge from hibernation from late February to mid-March. According to camera trap data, in 2026 the first post-hibernation appearance of a bear in front of the camera was recorded on March 13.

Within the reserve, brown bears are found in almost all major gorges. They inhabit elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 meters above sea level, including mixed deciduous forests, coniferous spruce forests, as well as subalpine and alpine zones.

In spring, due to the deep snow cover in the mountains, bears tend to move more frequently along the southern slopes than the northern ones. This is because snow melts earlier on sun-exposed slopes, creating better opportunities for finding food.