Experts warn: Feeding bears at Nemrut Crater Lake poses a life-threatening risk.

Visitors encountering brown bears at Nemrut Crater Lake attempting to feed the bears poses a significant danger, while experts warn that this behavior can lead to dangerous consequences.

Nemrut Crater Lake, which received the “Excellence Award” within the framework of the European Commission’s European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) project and is the second largest caldera in the world, becomes a popular destination for local and foreign tourists during the fall months. Visitors to this unique natural beauty, home to Turkey’s largest crater lake, often encounter the region’s wildlife along the way. However, some visitors put themselves in great danger while trying to feed the brown bears that live here with their hands. Tourists approaching bears and trying to take pictures sometimes face bear attacks.

“Whistles or bells should be taken”

Prof. Dr. Lokman Aslan, Director of the Wildlife Protection and Rehabilitation Center at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, emphasized that leaving food for wildlife unconsciously can have dangerous consequences. Prof. Dr. Aslan expressed that brown bears are generally not aggressive animals, stating, “In spring and fall, bears live together; in other situations, bears live alone. If bears go into attack mode, it is to protect their territory. If you continue on your way without making contact, it will also continue on its way. In this case, it is necessary to make noise when going into nature. Whistles or bells should be carried. One must take precautions against potential negative encounters before going out into nature. Recently, food has been provided to wildlife. In this situation, the animal’s behavior changes. Changing climates also prevent them from hibernating.”

“The decision on feeding should be made by the Nature Conservation National Parks”

Aslan stated that leaving food for wildlife unconsciously is dangerous, saying, “Those going on trips leave their waste in nature. Wild animals get accustomed to this behavior. Then, when you do not feed them, conflict occurs. The conflict between humans and nature will increase from now on. Because humans have more power to intervene in nature. The most important point here is that wild animals should not be fed unnecessarily. The decision on feeding should be made by the Nature Conservation National Parks. If we are having a picnic somewhere, we should not leave trash that will pollute nature. If there is a trash bin there, it should be in a way that animals cannot open it.”