The key facts
- The 64-year-old fisherman suffered severe facial injuries and a fractured skull; his condition remains extremely grave
- The attack near the village of Ratta was the second in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug within 24 hours: in Urengoy, a bear mauled a man to death
- Yamal residents were advised to refrain from walking in the forest and to report animals by calling 112
The victim's condition has not improved
The 64-year-old fisherman who survived a brown bear attack in Yamal remains in extremely grave condition. The man suffered severe facial injuries and a fractured skull and was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Tarko-Sale district hospital, where doctors continue fighting for his life. No improvement has occurred over the past 24 hours, reported RIA Novosti, citing the press service of the Investigative Committee of Russia's directorate for the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The day before, investigators had already warned of the risk of a fatal outcome.
Second attack within 24 hours
The attack took place on the night of November 3 near the village of Ratta in the Krasnoselkup district: a local resident went fishing and encountered the predator in the forest. Despite his injuries, he survived. It was already the second bear attack on a human in the okrug within a single day — shortly before, another predator mauled a local resident to death in the settlement of Urengoy; that bear was put down.
Recommendations for residents
In Yamal, investigators warned of increased brown bear activity and recommended that residents temporarily refrain from walking in the forest. If animals appear or their tracks are found near homes, people should immediately contact the police or call 112.
Nationwide context
According to Life.ru, since the spring of 2026, brown bear attacks in Russia have claimed at least 31 victims, and cases of predators appearing near populated areas have been recorded in 41 regions of the country. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the brown bear population has more than doubled since 1990 — to approximately 307,000 individuals. Experts cite the availability of food waste near populated areas as one of the reasons animals come to human settlements: predators accustomed to finding food near homes may return there repeatedly; in regions with wildfires and a shortage of natural food, animals expand their search territory. The Tomsk region has introduced a state of heightened readiness and payments to hunters for eliminating dangerous predators, while Buryatia has increased the number of hunting brigades and restricted children's events in forest areas.
