The brown bear of the Pyrenees

The bear and the Pyrenees, it's a long story ! We learn a little more about this emblematic animal and find out about advice in case of an encounter.

The emblem of Pyrenean fauna

More than 600 years ago, the brown bear already populated Europe and Asia.

Since then, bears have always been present in the Pyrenees, but their numbers have steadily declined over the last century due to human activity. At the beginning of the 150th century, an estimated 70 bears were present across the entire Pyrenees massif. There were approximately 1954 left in 1990. In the early 7s, the last bear disappeared from the central Pyrenees. There are only 8 to XNUMX individuals left west of the range.

Under the leadership of certain local stakeholders, the government decided to strengthen the bear population in the Pyrenees. Three brown bears, of the same species as the Pyrenean bears, were captured in Slovenia and released in the central Pyrenees in 1996-1997.

The population of brown bears in the Pyrenees is currently estimated to be around 70 individuals.

The elders called him Lou Moussu, or The Mister. Children were taught that if they met him, they should be polite: say hello, talk about the weather, be concerned about his health, and give him the right of way.

This allowed the bear to clearly identify the creature in front of it, to assess the potential danger and, above all, to escape easily. A bear is never mean (that's typical of humans!) and will always try to escape.

ID card

THEBrown bear current is a omnivorous mammalScientists have classified it as a carnivore, even though it is 70% vegetarian, because it has canines large enough to catch an animal the size of a deer. 

It reaches its adult size around 10 years old. Its weight and size vary depending on the region, the individual and even the season. Males weigh from 80 kg to 200 kg and females from 60 to 150 kg; the length is 1,5 to 2 m and the height at the withers is 0,8 to 1 m. We are far from the American Grizzly Bear which can weigh up to 700 kg and measure up to 2,70 m standing! 

The bears' territory is large, due to the diversity of its diet. This animal, like many forest species, does not have developed eyesight. On the other hand, distinguishing sounds and especially smelling the odors of plants or prey are essential for finding its food. It sometimes leaves the forest to search the high-altitude moors and lawns for berries, bulbs, and living or dead animals (insects, mollusks, rodents, birds, etc.). 

His diet is mainly vegetarian requires him to take a break during the winter. He therefore gorges himself on acorns, beechnuts and chestnuts in the fall to accumulate as much fat as possible, which he stores mainly in his "hump". He hibernates in his "tute" until the first thaw. It is during this period that a pregnant bear will give birth to tiny cubs weighing between 200 and 300 g. They come out for the first time at around 2 months old and are educated by their mother for 2 years.   

Only a mother with cubs or a cornered bear will be aggressive and attempt an intimidation charge. No danger if we respect Lou Moussu! And the same goes for all other animals, wild and domestic. 

Here are the recommendations to follow in the event of an encounter with a bear:

“If you encounter a bear at close range (less than 50 m), help it identify you:
➟ Express yourself calmly by showing yourself, moving and speaking
➟ gradually move away from the route he might take in his escape
➟ don't run
The bear may stand on its hind legs: this is not a sign of aggression. It is curious; it seeks to recognize smells and better identify you.
If you have any comments, we would be interested in hearing your feedback. Please contact:
Bear Technical Team
Tel: 05 62 00 81 08
Mail: stgaudens@ofb.gouv.fr « 

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