THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF BROWN BEAR POPULATION IN POLAND

In the past the brown bear occurred on the majority of Polish territory. Development of agriculture, connected with reduction of large forested areas, limited the range inhabited by this predator to the Carpathians, and its numbers to little more than ten individuals. In the last 40 years, the population of the species has expanded considerably. At present, 80 - 90 individuals inhabit about 7000 sq. km. in the southern part of the country. Since 1952 the species remains under legal protection. All damages to agriculture do not exceed 7000 US Dollars annually, and are covered from the state budget. Events of bears attacking humans are sporadic and, in most cases, provoked by people.

The ecological information on population of bears in Bieszczady Mountains is relatively the most complete. Studied were: the diet, habitat preferences and basic population parameters. The most important for the existence of the population is old growth beech forest. Significant also are abandoned orchards and blueberry patches. Numerous spruce thickets, providing cover, are important in pre and post hibernation periods. Valuable source of food are hunter's baiting points.

It seems that in future the extent of bears' range will not increase without human interference. Potential reintroduction sites are located in the Sudeten Mountains and in the norteastern part of the country. Increasing degradation of the environment may reduce the present extent of bears' occurence, as well as their numbers. There is necessary to elaborate the conservancy plan of the species, including the protection of preferred habitats, and the establishment of ecological corridors connecting large forested areas inhabited by bears.

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