The brown bear Ursus arctos L. in Norway: Assessment of status around 1990 Original Research Article

Previous estimates of the brown bear Ursus arctos L. population in Norway have been based primarily on reports from the public that led to an overestimate of numbers, reproduction and distribution. This study is based primarily on observations collected and verified by the wildlife staff of the county administrations, combined with the results of limagecal tracking studies. The results show greatly reduced numbers, reproduction and distribution. Brown bears are documented almost only in restricted areas along the borders of Sweden, Finland and Russia, and are connected with populations in these countries. Reproduction on Norwegian soil is uncertain.