Ataki niedźwiedzi brunatnych (Ursus arctos) na ludzi w Europie

Robert Maślak

doi:10.12775/KOSMOS.2025.029

Authors

Robert Maślak Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3173-4026

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/KOSMOS.2025.029

Keywords

brown bear, Ursus arctos, attacks on humans, human–carnivore conflicts, Europe

Abstract

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest terrestrial predator in Europe and an important component of the continent’s natural heritage. This article provides a synthetic overview of the current state of knowledge on bear attacks on humans in Europe. The types of attacks, their seasonality, risk factors, and characteristics of the bears involved are discussed. Available data indicate that most incidents are defensive in nature and result in injuries that are not life-threatening. The highest number of cases has been recorded in Romania, while in other European countries such events are sporadic. The social and political context of human–bear conflicts is also addressed, including the differences between perceived threat and actual risk, as well as the challenges faced by wildlife managers. The importance of education, reducing access to anthropogenic food, and international cooperation in lowering the risk of encounters is emphasized.

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Brown bear (Ursus arctos) attacks on humans in Europe

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