Brown bears, primarily the Eurasian brown bear subspecies (_Ursus arctos arctos_), are present in Ukraine. They are the country’s sole bear population, found in specific forested and mountainous regions. Their numbers are relatively small compared to some other European nations.
The Brown Bear in Ukraine
The brown bear (_Ursus arctos_) is a large omnivorous mammal, typically reaching lengths of up to 2.5 meters and heights of 1.25 meters at the withers, with weights potentially up to 750 kg. Their fur coloration varies, ranging from yellowish-brown to dark brown, reddish-brown, and nearly black. They have powerful bone structures and large paws with claws up to 10 cm long, effective for digging.
Brown bears are omnivores, consuming a wide range of foods depending on season and availability. Their diet is predominantly plant-based, deriving up to 90% of their energy from vegetation such as berries, grasses, roots, and shoots. They also consume animal matter, including insects, fish, small mammals, and carrion. They are considered the largest predators in Ukraine.
Brown bears are solitary animals, associating only for mating or raising cubs. They forage during mornings and evenings, but can be active at any time. During winter, they enter a dormant state in dens, though they are not true hibernators and can be awakened.
Key Bear Habitats
The primary habitat for brown bears in Ukraine is the Carpathian Mountains, located in the western part of the country. This mountainous region offers dense forests and diverse landscapes conducive to their survival. Beech forests, such as those found in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, provide excellent environments for these bears.
A smaller, yet significant, population of brown bears is also observed in the Polissia region, particularly within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Reduced human activity in this zone has positively impacted bear populations, allowing their re-emergence. Ecological corridors within the Carpathian Mountains, especially along the border with Romania, are important for maintaining habitat connectivity and gene flow among bear populations.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Brown bears in Ukraine face conservation challenges due to their small and isolated population. Estimates for the brown bear population in the Ukrainian Carpathians range from 150-250 individuals. This species is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine as an endangered or disappearing species.
Threats to the brown bear population include poaching. Habitat loss and fragmentation, caused by human expansion, logging, road construction, and other development, also reduce available living space and reliable food sources. Human-wildlife conflict, including instances where bears are perceived as nuisances, adds to these pressures.
Conservation efforts involve establishing protected areas, such as the Carpathian National Nature Park, Ukraine’s largest national park. This park protects numerous species, including the brown bear, and works to improve core wildlife populations. The Synevyr National Nature Park hosts Ukraine’s largest brown bear rehabilitation center. This center rehabilitates bears rescued from mistreatment, providing them with natural habitat conditions across a 12-hectare enclosure. Organizations also advocate for stricter regulations on private bear keeping and support government initiatives to relocate confiscated animals to licensed sanctuaries.