Bears are among the most challenging animals to keep in captivity, with high rates of stereotypic behavior indicating widespread welfare problems in zoo and sanctuary settings globally.
Bear welfare in captivity depends almost entirely on enclosure quality and enrichment provision. The near-universal presence of stereotypic behaviors in bears confirms that traditional zoo enclosures fundamentally fail to meet bear behavioral needs. These behaviors are not neutral habits — they represent coping responses to chronic frustration and inadequate environmental stimulation. The gold standard for captive bear welfare involves large naturalistic habitats (1+ acre), extensive foraging enrichment that requires time and problem-solving, appropriate social housing (where species-typical), and management practices that give bears meaningful choice and control over their environment. Bear bile farming represents the most extreme welfare violation and warrants complete condemnation and legal prohibition.