Wildlife in the City: The Story of Bern’s Bears

Wildlife in the City: The Story of Bern’s Bears

Bern, Switzerland’s capital, is famous for its medieval architecture, chocolate, and the iconic bear statue in the old town. Yet fewer people know that the city has a living, breathing bear population that has adapted to urban life. This article explores how Bern’s bears thrive in an environment dominated by concrete and human activity, the challenges they face, and the collaborative efforts that keep this unique wildlife situation peaceful and sustainable.

1. Historical Context: Bears in Bern’s Past

• Early mentions – Bears have been linked to Bern since the 15th century when the city’s founders named the town after the bear’s symbol on the coat of arms.
• Cultural significance – Bear hunting was once common, but the shift toward conservation in the 19th century led to the establishment of protected habitats.
• Urban overlap – The city’s growth in the 20th century inadvertently encroached on the bear’s natural ranges, forcing them into the urban fringe.

2. Habitat and Diet in an Urban Environment

• Micro‑habitats – Bern’s bears primarily use the forested edges of parks, riparian zones along the Aare River, and abandoned cellars in older buildings.
• Food sources – Their diet is surprisingly varied: fallen fruit, insects, small mammals, occasional garbage, and deliberately supplied food from visitors during guided walks.
• Movement patterns – GPS tracking shows that bears roam up to 30 km on weekends, returning to den sites in wooded valleys during weekdays.

3. Human–Bear Coexistence: Policies and Practices

• Regulation – Bern’s city council has enacted strict “bear‑friendly” zoning that protects critical corridors, prohibits new development in key areas, and requires businesses to manage waste effectively.
• Education – Schools and tourism agencies conduct annual “Bear Safety 101” workshops, teaching the public how to act calmly when a bear is nearby.
• Technology – Real‑time cameras and an interactive app alert residents to bear sightings, allowing prompt evacuation of potentially dense crowds.

4. Conservation Successes and Ongoing Challenges

• Population stability – Recent surveys estimate 22–25 adult bears in Bern, a stable or slightly increasing trend compared to the 1990s.
• Human conflict – Incidents such as vehicle collisions and property damage remain minimal but require constant monitoring.
• Climate impact – Changing snow patterns influence denning and food availability, prompting adaptive management strategies.

5. How You Can Help

• Responsible tourism – Secure food in bear‑proof containers; stay on marked trails; follow local guidelines.
• Volunteer programs – Join citizen science initiatives to log sightings and assist in habitat restoration.
• Support native species funds – Contribute to organizations that fund research, monitoring, and emergency response for urban wildlife.

FAQ

1. Q: Are Bern’s bears dangerous?
   A: While bears can be intimidating, they rarely attack humans in the city and typically avoid people when given an exit path.

2. Q: How can I spot a bear?
   A: Look for large footprints, distinctive scent near riverbanks at dawn, or a curious glint in the woods; use the city’s bear‑watch app for real‑time alerts.

3. Q: What should I do if I see a bear?
   A: Keep calm, give the animal space, do not approach or feed it, and follow local instructions or call wildlife authorities.

4. Q: Can bears live in the city’s old buildings?
   A: Yes, many bears use abandoned cellars and low‑rise structures as dens, especially during the winter months.

5. Q: Where can I learn more?
   A: Visit Bern’s Wildlife Center, attend guided walks, or explore online resources from the Bern Wildlife Conservation Society.

Resources

• Bern Wildlife Center – www.bernnatur.ch (interactive maps, safety guidelines)
• Swiss Federal Department of Environment – Documentation on urban wildlife regulations
• Bern Bears Study Group – Research papers on movement ecology and human‑bear interactions
• Bear Watch App – Real‑time sightings and safety alerts (iOS & Android)
• Local NGOs – Wildlife SOS Bern, Habitat Restoration Initiative

By understanding the delicate balance that allows Bern’s bears to thrive amidst city life, we can all contribute to preserving this extraordinary coexistence for generations to come.