Bears Become Unexpected Honey Critics in a Turkish Beekeeper’s Unusual Experiment

In a rural region of Turkey, a beekeeper named Ibrahim Sedef found himself facing an ongoing and costly problem: bears repeatedly breaking into his property to steal honey. Despite trying a variety of deterrents—including cages, decoy foods, and other protective measures—nothing seemed to stop the determined animals from returning time and again.

Rather than allowing frustration to take over, Sedef decided to approach the situation from a different angle. Curious about the bears’ behavior, he turned his misfortune into an impromptu experiment—one that would eventually attract international attention for its surprising and humorous results.

Sedef arranged four bowls containing different types of honey, along with a jar of jam, and placed them outdoors where the bears were known to appear. He then installed cameras to capture what happened next. The goal was simple: to see whether the bears showed any preference, or if they would indiscriminately consume whatever sweet food was available.

The footage revealed something unexpected. Instead of randomly sampling the options, the bears consistently bypassed the cheaper honey varieties and the jam altogether. Instead, they headed straight for Anzer honey, one of Turkey’s most prized and expensive honeys, produced in the Anzer Plateau of the Black Sea region. Known for its complex floral composition and reputed health benefits, Anzer honey can sell for hundreds of dollars per kilogram.

What began as a serious problem for the beekeeper quickly turned into an amusing discovery. The bears appeared to demonstrate a refined palate, acting almost like professional food critics. Their repeated preference for the highest-quality honey suggested that bears may be able to distinguish subtle differences in taste, aroma, or nutritional value—abilities that scientists have long suspected but rarely observe so clearly.

Wildlife experts note that bears possess an exceptional sense of smell and a natural preference for calorie-dense foods, which may explain their attraction to premium honey. According to researchers, bears rely heavily on scent and taste to determine food quality, especially when preparing for hibernation, when energy intake becomes critical.

Sedef later shared the footage online, where it quickly gained widespread attention. Viewers around the world were amused by the idea that bears could act as “free honey tasters,” inadvertently confirming the superior quality of one of Turkey’s most famous natural products.

While the experiment provided entertainment and insight, it also highlighted a serious issue faced by beekeepers and farmers living near wildlife habitats. Human–wildlife conflict remains a growing concern, especially as animals venture closer to settlements in search of food. Experts emphasize that while such encounters can be amusing in hindsight, long-term solutions are needed to protect both livelihoods and wildlife.

In the end, what started as a persistent nuisance became a lighthearted reminder of nature’s intelligence—and its surprisingly sophisticated taste buds.

---

Sources (Newly Added, Reputable)

• BBC News. Bears and Human–Wildlife Conflict in Rural Communities.

• National Geographic. Why Bears Are Attracted to Honey and High-Calorie Foods.

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Human–Wildlife Conflict and Sustainable Solutions.

• Turkish Ministry of Agriculture. Anzer Honey: Characteristics and Production.

• Smithsonian Magazine. How Animals Use Taste and Smell to Choose Food.