https://wilderness-society.org/brown-bear-in-europe/
Quote:
Over the last 2000 years, the main reasons for brown bear killing in Europe have included habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization.
Other reason was persecution by humans due to perceived threats to livestock and safety. Later on also sport hunting, and the demand for bear parts in traditional medicine and rituals. These factors have collectively contributed to a significant decline in brown bear populations across the continent.
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Google AI
The European brown bear population declined primarily due to habitat loss and hunting, though climate change may have also played a role. Specifically, human development and agricultural expansion destroyed bear habitats, and hunting, including sport hunting and persecution due to perceived threats to livestock, further reduced bear numbers.
Genetic Bottlenecks:
Some populations have experienced genetic bottlenecks due to small population sizes, leading to a loss of genetic diversity and increased inbreeding.
Genetic bottleneck is a real concern in Alberta. The area around Grassy Mountain is the only part of the Rockies from Yellowstone to Yukon that is not protected. Losing that corridor would be very bad for Grizzlies.