Yes, lassoing. Mongolia is dealing with an unusual surge in brown bears wandering into towns and settlements, with roughly 80 sightings reported across 10 provinces this year. One bear even wandered out of the green belt around Ulaanbaatar on August 11, followed by 7 more reports in the capital region.

😳 They’re Feeding a Bear?

In some provinces, residents reportedly tied up bears and started feeding them. While authorities are urging people to secure food waste and avoid leaving animal carcasses exposed, some locals appear to have taken a rather more hands-on approach to wildlife management.

📋 The Оfficial Scramble

On September 15, the Environment Minister issued an order calling for 24-hour reporting hotlines, rapid-response teams, public warnings and tighter controls on food waste. Authorities will also use cameras and drones to monitor bear movements, with additional wildlife-management measures planned if needed.

• 🫯 But Here’s the Catch: Brown bears are classified as a rare, protected species in Mongolia, meaning illegally killing one can carry a ₮12.4 million fine and potential criminal liability. The irony? If a bear attacks, citizens may have to prove that killing it was necessary for self-defense.

🥜 So, Why are the Bears Coming?

The answer is food. Poor pine-nut and berry harvests have left bears with fewer natural food sources, pushing mothers with cubs closer to human settlements. 2 bears captured near Ulaanbaatar were transported 180 km to Erdene soum and released. Whether they decide to stay there is another question.

For now, Mongolia’s bear season appears to be a mix of hungry wildlife, worried residents, and quite a lot of rope.