We do not accept bear as a companion animal: Russia bans the holding of wild pets

The Russian Government has decided to stop the exotic fondness of some of its subjects for wild animals. As of 1 September 2025, a rule will enter into force prohibiting the possession of dozens of species as pets. The list includes lions, tigers, bears, rhinos, hippopotamuses, hyenas, poisonous snakes, pythons of more than four metres, sharks, crocodiles, pelicans, ostriches, penguins and even owls and hawks. The measure, which will in principl…