130925-studie-wildlife-comeback-in-europe

3.17. Brown bear
Ursus arctos
Summary
The Brown bear, the second largest mammalian
predator in Europe, was previously widely
distributed but now occurs primarily in inland
forested and mountainous areas with low
human activity. Once extensively hunted, the
species has increased as a result of legislation,
species management and education. However,
despite stable or increasing population trends,
the Brown bear remains threatened by habitat
loss due to infrastructure development, disturbance,
poor management structures, intrinsic
factors, accidental mortality and persecution. It is
thought that low acceptance by stakeholders and
the public will present the greatest obstacle to the
future conservation management of the species,
especially in areas where increasing abundance
and range expansion is leading to greater contact
between bears and people.
Background
General description of the species
The Brown bear (Ursus arctos), the most widespread
bear in the world [1] and second largest mammalian
predator after the Polar bear in Europe, is found
inland throughout the continent [1] . Brown bears
have large home ranges to search for mates, winter
dens, and food including berries, shoots, seeds,
fresh meat and carrion. Males are largely solitary
and only come together with females to reproduce,
while mothers stay with their cubs for 1.5 to 2.5
years, after which male young disperse [2] . While
younger bears are often diurnal, many adults show
nocturnal behaviour which is believed to be driven
by negative experiences with humans [3] , although
environmental conditions and food abundance
may also play a role [1] . The species undertakes the
majority of its activity in spring (mating season),
summer and autumn (foraging) whilst during the
winter, individuals go through a period of winter
torpor, spending most of their time in dens in a
state of partial hibernation [1] .
Distribution in Europe
Bears were first present in Europe in the late
Pleistocene and one of the first species to repopulate
the region in the Holocene following the
Last Glacial Maximum, when they occurred at
high densities [4] . Bears continued to range over
the entirety of the European continent except
large islands such as Iceland, Gotland, Corsica
and Sardinia, and until recently (c. 1850) had a
wide range [1] . During the 19 th century, populations
declined dramatically in most European
countries due to widespread deforestation and
increased persecution [5] . Many populations have
since become extinct, particularly in low lying
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