Brown bear (Ursus arctos) — the largest predator inhabiting the territory of Ukraine, and the only representative of the bear family in the country's fauna. Once this species was widely distributed throughout the state, inhabiting forest and partially steppe zones. Today, its range has catastrophically shrunk, and the species is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine with the conservation status \"extinct\". Habitat range and population size 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 are found — according to various estimates, from 300 to 350 animals. The highest concentration of bears is observed in the Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, where up to 200 individuals are counted. Smaller populations have been preserved in the Lviv and Chernivtsi regions. Significantly less often — in single cases — bears are encountered in the Polesie, particularly in the Kyiv and Sumy regions. In 2025, camera traps at the Chernobyl Reserve recorded an adult brown bear, which indicates the gradual restoration of biodiversity in this exclusion zone. History of population decline The situation with the brown bear in Ukraine causes serious concern among ecologists and nature conservation organizations. Over the past 50 years, the population size of the species has decreased by about four times — from approximately 1300 individuals to the current 300-350. The main causes of such catastrophic decline in the population are: Areal fragmentation — active construction of roads, 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 regions. Destruction of the food base — intensive forest exploitation and recreational load deprive bears of natural food sources. Disturbance factor — the active pres ... Читать далее