Brown bears depend critically on salmon runs for pre-hibernation fat accumulation, and disruptions to salmon populations directly compromise bear welfare and survival.
The nutritional welfare of brown bears is directly linked to salmon ecosystem health. Bears that miss peak salmon runs due to climate timing mismatches enter hibernation in poor condition, resulting in higher mortality and lower cub survival rates. Stress from competition at salmon-rich fishing spots like Brooks Falls causes injury from social conflict. Supporting healthy salmon populations is therefore a direct intervention for bear welfare.