A fatal bear attack on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has heightened concerns over the growing number of encounters between humans and wild bears across Asia.

According to Mongolian authorities, a man in his 40s was killed and a woman in her 50s was seriously injured after a bear entered their home in the Bayanzurkh district on Wednesday evening. The injured woman managed to escape and seek assistance from neighbors before being transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Officials have deployed a team of 35 wildlife rangers to locate the bear, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Sharp Increase in Bear Sightings

Environmental officials say bear sightings have risen dramatically across Mongolia in recent years. Ulaanbaatar has recorded 24 confirmed sightings in 2026, compared with only two in 2018 and one in 2019.

Nationwide, authorities have documented 754 bear sightings this year across 11 provinces and the capital. Around 80% of those reports involved female bears with cubs, suggesting increased wildlife activity near populated areas.

Experts are investigating the factors behind the rise in encounters. Authorities have authorized controlled hunting permits in eight provinces and are working to equip wildlife teams with tranquilizer dart guns to improve response efforts.

One recently examined bear was reportedly found with an empty stomach, leading officials to suspect food shortages may be contributing to the animals' movement into residential areas. In response, Mongolia temporarily banned the harvesting of nuts and berries in mountain regions this season to preserve natural food sources for wildlife.

Growing Trend Across Asia

Mongolia is not the only country experiencing an increase in human-bear encounters.

In neighboring Russia, officials recently reported multiple fatal bear attacks in Siberia, prompting investigations into wildlife management practices. Russia's brown bear population has more than doubled since 1990, contributing to growing concerns in several regions.

Japan has also experienced a record number of bear incidents in recent years. Authorities have documented bears appearing near airports, schools, golf courses, supermarkets, and residential neighborhoods. Last year, the country recorded its highest number of bear-related fatalities on record.

Wildlife specialists say several factors may be driving the increase, including changing food availability, environmental conditions, and rural depopulation, which has allowed bears to expand into areas closer to human communities.