Brown bear populations are recovering in parts of Europe and North America, creating human-wildlife coexistence challenges that require welfare-centered management approaches.
Wild brown bear welfare is best served by prevention of human-food habituation that creates the conflict scenarios ending in bear removal. Secure food storage, electric fencing, and livestock guardian animals reduce attractants that lead to fatal encounters for bears. Translocation of conflict bears has limited effectiveness and causes significant welfare harm from capture stress and territorial displacement. Coexistence programs that address underlying attractants are the most welfare-positive long-term approach.