Travelers visiting Goryachiye Klyuchye, a remote spot on Iturup Island in the Kuril chain, often encounter a notable bear along the route. The animal in question is a fat Himalayan bear whose white chest makes it easy to distinguish from brown bears. The moment unfolds quietly: the bear notices the approaching people, glances at the vehicle, and, after assessing no immediate danger, drifts back toward the forest with a calm, almost regal demeanor.
Local reports circulating through regional channels describe similar appearances of bears across the southernmost and northern extremes of the Kuril arc. Specifically, bears have been observed on Kunashir and Iturup in the south, as well as on Shumshu and Paramushir in the north. The other islands in the chain are generally interpreted as bear-free zones, a fact that shapes the rhythm of wildlife sightings for visitors and residents alike.
The origin of bears on the Kuril Islands remains a topic of ongoing discussion among researchers. Some scientists argue that bear populations were present long before the archipelago split away from the Asian mainland. Others speculate that human activity may have introduced bears to these islands, perhaps as part of historical exchanges or accidental relocations. A further theory suggests natural dispersal: bears could have reached the northern islands by swimming or riding ice floes during colder periods. Eyewitness accounts reinforce this possibility, with stories of bears navigating considerable distances offshore, entering the sea, and then returning to shore after long swims. Such accounts add a layer of mystery to the region’s wildlife history, inviting careful study and continued observation. This topic has appeared in various local compilations, including independent blogs that share recollections of bear movements around the Kuriles.
On another note, memories from a separate border scenario in late May in the adjacent region illustrate how bears can appear abruptly in human landscapes. Finnish border guards stationed at the edge of a neighboring border area reported a sudden encounter when a bear sprang from a ditch, seemingly startled by nearby activity. The guard dropped to the ground and played dead, a survival tactic that can minimize risk in the moment. While this anecdote sits outside the Kurils proper, it underscores a common thread: bears are unpredictable visitors in borderlands and rugged wilds alike, capable of surprising even seasoned observers. Such episodes remind travelers to maintain respectful distances and to observe wildlife from a safe, nondisturbing position, letting animals move through their natural routines unimpeded.