" It's a record !
9 litters have never been detected in the Pyrenees since we studied the bear population ”, rejoice the Pays de l'ours associations Adet and Ferus, associated with the French Biodiversity Office (OFB) in within the Brown Bear Network (ROB).
This year, the bear population in the Pyrenees is 64 specimens including 16 cubs.
This is an almost constant increase since 1995, when they were less than a dozen.
In 2019, the number of plantigrades was 58, according to the Brown Bear Network.
Nonetheless, associations point out that "despite the positive development, these 64 bears still do not constitute a viable population".
Indeed, this status can only be achieved with “50 bears participating in reproduction, and with good genetic diversity.
"
Another reason for satisfaction: the NGOs note that there has been "very little damage to the protected herds".
The Brown Bear Network report counts 369 attacks on livestock and a sharp drop in the number of animals killed or injured: 636, almost half as much as in 2019.
A demonstration of 1,800 breeders, elected officials and bear opponents
However, bear attacks on livestock are the point of tension between bear defense associations and breeders.
In July, a demonstration brought together around 1,800 breeders, elected officials and bear opponents and the mobilization remains strong.
To avoid cattle attacks, the Pays de l'Ours Adet collective recommends imitating Spain, which shows "the way forward" by protecting the herds more, especially at night and with dogs in summer.
At the same time, the association asks that the three bears killed in 2020 be replaced, "in accordance with the commitment made in the Bear Plan 2018-2028".
In 2021, the associations predict, the increase in the number of bears in the Pyrenees should continue since “14 or 15 females will potentially be able to have cubs.
"