There are about 1,100 bears in Estonia. The growth in the number of bears is becoming faster. This may lead to more problems with people.
The number of bears is counted in a special way. Female bears with cubs in the same year are counted. This is easier because in spring, female bears move in a small area.
Hunters and wildlife photographers use trail cameras. With them, the movement of bears can be monitored. However, many bear pictures shared on social media may create a false impression.
Over the past 20 years, the number of bears has grown by 5% annually. While hunting bears was previously allowed, it is now restricted. This may lead to an even greater increase.
Some people believe there are too many bears. For example, hunters and farmers. Others want even more bears, such as nature tourism businesses.
If there are many bears, conflicts may increase. Bears can damage crops and disturb moose populations.
A bear may attack a person in self-defense. Over the past 25 years, there have been three such cases. The likelihood of such incidents increases because there are more bears.
In Europe, bears do not attack people for food, but only in self-defense. The more bears there are, the greater the chance of conflicts.
Maintaining the balance of nature is difficult. Court rulings have restricted bear hunting, which may make the situation even more complicated.