Climate Crisis Hits Far East Russian Bears: Struggles with Hibernation Amid Unprecedented Warmth
In Russia's Far East, a peculiar challenge is disrupting the natural rhythm of local bears. Abnormally high temperatures in November are preventing these creatures from entering their much-needed hibernation, forcing some to wander around their winter dens in a state of half-sleep. The Wildlife Conservation Authority of the Amur region highlighted the issue, shedding light on the unusual behavior of these normally hibernating animals.
Despite having accumulated the necessary fat for their seasonal sleep, bears find themselves grappling with the "improperly" high air temperatures that hinder the hibernation process, according to specialists. Interestingly, female bears with cubs seem to be following their schedule, retreating into their dens at the end of October without being affected by the weather anomalies.
The challenges faced by bears in the Amur River region, covering Russia’s Khabarovsk, Amur, and Jewish autonomous regions, are a consequence of October's abnormally high average temperatures, surpassing the norm by 1.5-2.0 C. Notably, the city of Blagoveshchensk experienced its warmest October on record, as reported by the Phobos weather center.
Meteorologists foresee a continuation of record-warm weather in the region for November, witnessing new temperature anomalies. Russia, warming at a rate 2.5 times faster than the global average, frequently encounters record temperatures and abnormal weather patterns.
The impacts of climate change on Russia’s biodiversity are evident, with shifts in habitats and the migration of species northward. Brown bears, typically inhabitants of Russia’s boreal forest zone, are now encroaching into the more northern tundra area, contributing to a decline in Arctic species such as the Arctic fox and polar bear, warn scientists.
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