The European brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) was once widespread across the European continent. Today it retains its European foothold mainly in northern Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and northern Russia. The European population is largely scattered, mainly due to the systematically further extension of men into its natural territories. The European brown bear can still be seen in the Bayerischer Wald in Germany, though from a distance and protected by railings. It does live naturally across the borders of the Czech Republic, further inland.
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| An adult brown bear wrinkles its nose - picking up a scent |
Wild European brown bears are impressive hunters. They combine immense physical strength with surprising bursts of speed over short distances thanks to their sturdy and powerful limbs. They manage to attack large or fleet-footed prey in this manner. The European brown bear eats almost anything to store fat for the upcoming winter. Roots, fish and carrion are the main food. In late Summer they treat themselves with berries, fruits and nuts.
In late autumn brown bears will look for a cave where they make a bed of dry plant material to rest during the cold periods of Winter, and to await the splendor and warmth of the next Spring. The bulky body and the shaggy brown coat of the European brown bear enables it to survive the most coldest winters. This is the time when pregnant female bears give birth to their offspring in a den: tiny naked little cubs crawl in her fur to keep warm. They give birth to 1-4 young, though 2 young is the average number. In the Bayerischer Wald two cups were born, growing strong and big. Playing and resting are their main daytime activities.
Literature |
| One of the brown bear cups is exploring a tree |
Briggs M, Briggs P (2006) Dieren in het wild, Parragon Publishing, Bath UK, p. 42-43.
Buczacki S (2005) Fauna Britannica, Hamlyn, a division of Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London UK, p. 411-412.
Christiansen P – consultant editor (2006) The Encyclopedia of Animals, International Masters Publishers AB, Amber Books Ltd, London UK, p.170.
