Recovering brown bear populations in Europe face increasing human-wildlife conflict as bears expand into agricultural and pastoral landscapes, creating welfare and conservation challenges.
Brown bear welfare in recovering European populations is increasingly challenged by conflict with humans in shared landscapes. Bears killed in retaliatory actions suffer acute trauma. Those captured for translocation or problem animal management experience significant handling stress. The welfare-compatible approach to coexistence prioritizes non-lethal deterrence — electric fencing protecting livestock and beehives, livestock guardian dogs, and careful management of food attractants. Individual problem bears that have become food-conditioned pose particular welfare challenges as non-lethal management options narrow over time.