The brown bear a keystone species

Brown bears are indispensable inhabitants of vast forests and mountainous regions. As omnivores, they play a vital role in maintaining the health of their habitat. Thanks to their varied diet – ranging from berries and roots to insects and fish – they disperse seeds over long distances, thereby contributing to the regeneration of the forest. They also regularly dig up the soil in search of food. This may seem like a minor activity, but it creates loose soil, new germination sites for plants and better water infiltration.

Bears instinctively follow the natural rhythms of the year. In summer, they eat their fill to build up sufficient fat reserves, whilst in winter they rest in their dens for months on end. Their presence promotes biodiversity: by scavenging carcasses and keeping prey animals on their toes, they help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.