Yakutia National Park Uses Drones to Count Brown Bears
The Lenskiye stolby (Lena Pillars National Park) has launched an aerial survey of brown bears using unmanned aircraft systems. Monitoring is taking place near the mouth of the Buotama River as part of a project that received more than 4 million rubles (about $54,600) in funding from the Presidential Nature Foundation.
The timing of the survey was chosen deliberately.
A total of three survey seasons are planned for 2026–2027, including two in spring and one in autumn. The collected data will be used to develop scientific recommendations for preserving the predator population and preventing conflicts between bears and humans.
In addition to monitoring wildlife, the project includes plans to install about 10 kilometers of solar-powered electric fencing, known as “electric shepherds.” The systems are intended to prevent bears from approaching tourist areas. Park officials have previously recorded incidents involving bears entering campground zones.
