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line Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758

INTRODUCTION

This fact sheet deals only with the European populations of Brown Bear. At the global level the species Ursus arctos is not threatened. In Europe, the Brown Bear has been categorized by the Council of Europe as 'Vulnerable', using the IUCN status categories.12

The Brown Bear is the most widespread of all bears, occurring in Europe, Asia and North America,6 and in habitats ranging from Arctic tundra to dry deserts. In Europe, the species is mainly confined to deciduous, coniferous and mixed montane woodlands.6,11 The Brown Bear is omnivorous but mainly vegetarian, and during the summer and early autumn, berries form the basis of the bears diet. Prey items are mainly small ground mammals such as mice and marmots, although larger animals are occasionally taken.11 Carrion, fish, invertebrates and honey are also eaten when available.11 Population density varies greatly. In the Carpathian Mountains of eastern Europe, the average density is one bear per 20 km2.11 Home ranges overlap, but there is no evidence of territorial defence.11 After a gestation period of 180 to 266 days, one to four cubs are born; there is an interval of two to four years between litters.11

Although several Eurasian subspecies have been described, these names are not in common use and their systematic significance is not established.13


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