Bears in zoos require large, complex environments and sophisticated enrichment to meet their welfare needs. Stereotypic behaviours indicate welfare deficits in inadequate environments.
Bear welfare in captivity is one of the most discussed welfare challenges in modern zoos. Their large natural home ranges, complex foraging behaviours, and high intelligence make provision of adequate captive environments exceptionally difficult. Stereotypic pacing, a sign of chronic frustration and boredom, is common in bears with inadequate space and enrichment. Modern welfare-conscious bear exhibits provide complex multi-level environments with varied substrates, water features, foraging challenges, and social companionship where appropriate. Some welfare advocates argue that certain species, particularly polar bears, cannot have adequate welfare in captivity and should not be held in zoos.