Brown bears depend on salmon runs for the critical fat reserves needed to survive winter hibernation. Salmon decline has direct welfare consequences for individual bears and bear populations.
Brown bear welfare is intimately connected to salmon ecosystem health. Bears in good body condition entering hibernation survive winter comfortably and emerge healthy to begin reproduction. Bears in poor condition entering hibernation face higher winter mortality and reduced reproductive success. Pregnant females who cannot adequately fatten give birth to fewer, smaller cubs who are less likely to survive. The welfare cascade from salmon decline extends through bear family welfare. Subordinate bears — often younger, female, or less socially dominant — are pushed to less productive fishing spots, exacerbating condition inequality. Salmon recovery through dam removal, hatchery reform, and habitat restoration directly improves welfare for bear populations throughout salmon watersheds.