The French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) has released its annual report on monitoring brown bears in the Pyrenees. While the population continues to grow at the massif level, the Hautes-Pyrénées remain relatively unaffected by attacks, despite confirmed presence of the animal in several municipalities.
Cross-border monitoring between France, Spain, and Andorra provides a detailed overview of the brown bear population. In 2025, 3,287 indirect indices were collected at the Pyrenean massif level.
These data allow estimation of: a range area of 7,000 km², a decrease of 200 km² from 2024; a minimum of 108 identified individuals, thanks to the genetic analysis of 801 samples; a population estimated between 109 and 143 bears according to the capture-mark-recapture method, with an average of 130 individuals.
Despite annual fluctuations, the trend has been increasing since the first reintroductions in 1996, with an average growth rate of +11.53% between 2006 and 2024.
Significant Decrease in Presence Indices in France
In France, the Brown Bear network collected 1,979 indices, of which 1,825 were valid: an 11% decrease compared to 2024 but a 5% increase compared to 2023. These indices are mainly distributed among: fur (33%), automatic photos, and videos (25%), excrement (17%), and depredations (16%).
Brown Bear Sightings in the Hautes-Pyrénées
In the Hautes-Pyrénées, brown bear presence was noted in several municipalities in 2025: Aragnouet, Arrens-Marsous, Cauterets, Ens, Estaing, Gavarnie-Gèdre, Germ, Loudenvielle, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Lary-Soulan. These observations confirm a widespread use of the territory without a massive or permanent installation identified.
Limited Attacks in the Hautes-Pyrénées Department
The report highlights a relatively low predation level in the Hautes-Pyrénées compared to neighboring departments. – Number of attacks on domestic herds in 2025: – Hautes-Pyrénées: 5 – Ariège: 213 – Haute-Garonne: 64 – Pyrénées-Atlantiques: 7
– Number of damages observed: – Hautes-Pyrénées: 11 – Ariège: 389 – Haute-Garonne: 92 – Pyrénées-Atlantiques: 18
Nationally, 289 attacks on livestock and 2 on apiaries were recorded in 2025, a decrease from 2024.
Active Reproduction but Monitored
In 2025, at least 6 litters totaling 8 cubs were detected in the central Pyrenees. Notable events include the first reproduction of the bear Claverina since her introduction in 2018 and the participation of 5 different females in reproduction. The survival rate of cubs born in 2024 reached 91.7%, a high level. Additionally, between 29 and 31 females could give birth to cubs in 2026.
Expanding Population but Genetically Fragile
Although the bear population continues to grow geographically, especially towards the east and south of the massif, scientists highlight a low genetic diversity and an increase in consanguinity.
The first analyses indicate that this consanguinity could: reduce litter sizes, decrease cub survival, limit reproductive success. A comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History and international partners, is expected to deliver conclusions by the end of 2026.
A Delicate Balance
The 2025 report confirms a dual reality: a species undergoing demographic recovery but still facing challenges in cohabitating with pastoral activities. In the Hautes-Pyrénées, pressure remains moderate, but the regular presence of bears continues to fuel local debates between biodiversity protection and the maintenance of livestock practices.
Context and Fact Check Notes:
– The report highlights the successful recovery efforts for the brown bear population in the Pyrenees, alongside challenges such as genetic diversity and human-wildlife coexistence. – The article also includes reactions from different groups advocating for the conservation or management of the bear population, reflecting the ongoing debate on the topic.
