Hungry bears start raiding in Alanya

Hungry bears have once again destroyed beehives in Alanya’s Çayarası Plateau. As these attacks increase, beekeepers in the region are calling for joint solutions. The human-wildlife conflict is escalating.

Bear attacks have intensified in Alanya’s highlands, especially in the Çayarası Plateau, greatly distressing local beekeepers. Following recent problems faced by a beekeeper who named the bears “Gocaoğlan,” now another beekeeper's three hives were destroyed by hungry bears descending on the apiary—likely a result of difficulty finding food in the wild and proximity to human areas. These attacks cause financial damage and deepen the conflict between humans and wildlife.

Alanya’s scenic highlands are now in the spotlight due to increased bear attacks. Beekeepers—many of whom rely entirely on honey farming—are battling bears roused from hibernation and struggling to find food. Social media posts from a honey producer about his struggles with the bears named “Gocaoğlan” sparked widespread attention. Now, a similar incident has struck another bee operation in Çayarası Plateau.

NEW ATTACK IN ÇAYARASI PLATEAU: 3 HIVES DESTROYED, FRAMES EXTRACTED!

According to reports, bears raided a beekeeper's site and broke into three hives, devouring honeycombs and honey. Even worse, the bears took three brood frames with larvae back to their cubs. This incident highlights how bears not only target honey but can severely damage bee colonies and hives themselves—becoming a major threat to regional apiculture.

WHY ARE THE ATTACKS INCREASING? ARE BEARS HUNGRY OR LOSING HABITAT?

Decreased Natural Food Sources: Drought, climate change, and human activities like logging reduce fruits, plants, and insects—forcing bears to seek food in beehives.

Habitat Loss and Human Expansion: Construction and tourism in the highlands push into wildlife habitats, increasing human–bear encounters and prompting bears to explore apiaries.

Post-Hibernation Urgency: Spring and early summer leave bears emerging from hibernation with high energy needs, pushing them toward aggressive food searches.

The human–bear conflict in Alanya demands careful management to protect both wildlife and beekeepers’ livelihoods.

BEEKEEPERS ARE DESPERATE: “WE NEED A COMMON SOLUTION!”

Duran Karaoğlu, previously troubled by “Gocaoğlan” bears, appealed for help from experienced beekeepers and authorities to share guidance. This recent attack underscores the urgent need for beekeepers in Alanya to collaborate and establish long-term protective strategies.

What next? What measures can be taken—electric fencing, deterrent sound and light systems, relocating hives to safer zones? Should forestry, agriculture departments, municipalities offer support or training programs? Most importantly, can a sustainable solution be found that preserves bears' natural lives while safeguarding beekeepers' livelihoods? Alanya’s beekeepers are determined not to let their labor be wasted and are urging authorities to take concrete action against this critical issue.