Medveditsa (Volga)

The Medveditsa is a river in Russia, a left tributary of the Volga. It flows through the Saratov Oblast and the Volgograd Oblast.

The river is 294 kilometers (183 miles) long, and its drainage basin covers 14,600 square kilometers (5,600 sq mi). The Medveditsa freezes over in November/December and remains frozen until March/April. Its principal tributaries are the Balanda, Idolga, and Karamysh rivers.

The river is primarily used for irrigation and fishing. Several villages and towns are located along the Medveditsa, including Petrovsk and Krasny Yar. Its name, Medveditsa, is derived from the Russian word "medved" meaning "bear," likely reflecting the historical presence of bears in the region. The river’s ecology has faced challenges due to agricultural runoff and industrial activities, but efforts are being made to mitigate these impacts.