Scientific Name:
Ursus arctos arctos
Distribution
Europe and W Russia
Diet:
Omnivore. Grasses, sedges, roots, berries, nuts, insects, rodents, ungulates, fish, honey.
Facts
Habitat: Mountainous forested areas
Dimensions: height 1.10m, length 2,5m
Weight: 265kg max
Gestation: 6-9 months, 1-4 young
Lifespan: 20-30
Social structure: Mainly solitary.
Estimated population in the wild: 15,000 - 20,000 excluding Russia
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Threats: Fragmentation and loss of habitat, road accidents, illegal hunting and poisoned baits.
Did you know that:
- Brown bears have an excellent sense of smell, human-level hearing, but relatively poor eyesight. This is the reason they stand on their two feet, to be able to see further away.
- The females give birth while hibernating. The young weight 200-300gr.
- They lose up to 40% of their body mass while hibernating during which they are able to survive without eating, drinking, defecating or urinating.
- In Greece they are classified as Endangered, numbering >700 individuals.
- Under human care they can live up to 50 years.