Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest predator inhabiting the territory of Ukraine and the only representative of the bear family in the country's fauna. This species was once widely distributed throughout the state, occupying forest and partially steppe zones. Today, its range has catastrophically decreased, and the species is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine with the conservation status \"extinct.\"

Habitat and Population

At present, the main population of the brown bear in Ukraine is concentrated in the Carpathian region. It is here that the overwhelming majority of individuals live — estimates range from 300 to 350 animals. The highest concentration of bears is observed in the Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, where up to 200 individuals are counted. Smaller populations are preserved in the Lviv and Chernivtsi oblasts.

Bears are much rarer — in isolated cases — in the Polesie, particularly in the Kyiv and Sumy oblasts. In 2025, camera traps at the Chernobyl Nature Reserve recorded an adult brown bear, indicating the gradual restoration of biodiversity in this exclusion zone.

History of Population Decline

The situation with the brown bear in Ukraine is a serious cause for concern among ecologists and conservation organizations. Over the past 50 years, the population of the species has decreased by approximately four times — from around 1300 individuals to the current 300–350.

The main reasons for such catastrophic population decline are:

• Areal fragmentation — active road construction, the expansion of populated areas, and deforestation divide natural territories into isolated sections, preventing the free movement of animals.
• Poaching — illegal shooting remains a serious threat, especially in border areas.
• Destruction of the food base — intensive forest exploitation and recreational load deprive bears of natural food sources.
• Disturbance factor — the active presence of humans in forests forces animals to leave their territories.

Features of Lifestyle

The brown bear is a typical forest species. In mountainous areas, it prefers mosaic forests, interspersed with regenerating cuttings and subalpine meadows. Bears make dens in the hollows of old trees, under roots, on slopes in shrubs, or among rock piles. The start and duration of winter hibernation vary depending on weather conditions.

Despite its impressive size, the bear is an omnivorous animal, and plant food can constitute a significant part of its diet. Cubs are born once every two years, at the end of December — the beginning of January, usually in two, which remain with their mother until two years old. Adult males can weigh over 400 kilograms.

Human-Bear Conflict

From 2018 to 2023, cases of conflicts between large predators and local residents, primarily farmers and beekeepers, were recorded in the Carpathians. 31.3% of such incidents consisted of bear attacks on livestock and bee hives. At the same time, the total number of conflicts decreased almost fivefold, and attacks on apiaries decreased almost by half.

In the Carpathians, there is also a rehabilitation center for brown bears on the territory of the National Natural Park \"Synevir\" — the first and only one in Ukraine. Animals that have been kept in captivity for a long time: in restaurants, circuses, or private zoos, end up here. They are gradually adapted to life in natural conditions in the center.

Prospects and Conservation

The brown bear is protected not only by national but also by international legislation: the species is listed in the IUCN Red List, included in the CITES Appendices and the Bern Convention. Effective conservation measures include the preservation of natural habitats, environmental education with the population, combating poaching, and developing measures to reduce conflicts between humans and predators.

Despite the difficult situation, the appearance of bears in the Chernobyl Nature Reserve gives hope for the gradual restoration of the population. However, for this, comprehensive measures for the preservation of natural territories and migration routes, as well as combating the main threats facing the largest predator in Ukraine, are necessary.

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