Brown bear on the southern border of the range in Volga region (Penza region)

Abstract

Background. At the present time there is an increase in the number and resettlement of the brown bear (Ursus arctus) in a southerly direction, including Penza region. The appearance of a large predator in densely populated areas of the forest-steppe region is of considerable interest. The purpose of the study is to summarize the reliable facts of the habitat and identify the features of bear distribution in Penza region during 2018–2022. Materials and methods.We used information about the cases of the bear’s stay, documented (photographs of animals, paw prints, traces of vital activity) and received from specialists in the field of hunting and nature management. Results. In total, over a five-year period, 25 cases of a bear staying in 9 districts were recorded. The predator inhabited most of the large forest areas of the region, spreading to the south to 52°46′ N, which is the southern limit of the bear’s range in the Volga region.Conclusions.The presence of animals of different ages, including cubs, and the sighting of tracks in early spring and late autumn suggest the beginning of the establishment of the species in new territories in the south of the forest-steppe zone.

Keywords

• brown bear
• range border
• ursus arctos