Bodia | Bear biology

Bear biology

Bears are big carnivoran mammals with a complicated nutrition strategy

8.9.2022

In the wild, bears are always busy foraging for food and cover hundreds of kilometres daily. Of course, when a bear is fed in captivity, all of its natural instincts are suppressed. The brain, muscles and nervous system of a bear serves to promote an active life and constant solving of cognitive tasks. Bears have to think at all times: where to find food, how to get worms from under a log, if berries are already ripe and if it can get apples high on a tree. Bears sitting in a tiny cage and eating food from a feeder will suffer from physical and mental abnormalities.  

How much space is sufficient for a bear? According to FOUR PAWS standards 0,5 ha per bear is optimal, according to EAZA standards 0,1 ha per bear couple is enough. In general, the more the better as long as the animal is healthy and active. But for sure you cannot keep bears in cages of 30-60 square meters, as we can often see at restaurants and entertainment facilities. 

Bears like to eat fruits, vegetables, berries, meat, fish, insects, vegetation roots, and nuts.  

Kitchen waste, pork, sweets, and alcohol are harmful to the bears’ health, in particular to their teeth and digestive system. 

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