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During the 1930s the brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in the western Carpathians was endangered and numbered <60 animals. Following total protection during 1932-60 and harvest management since 1960, this population gradually increased in both number and range. Now, about 600 animals inhabit approximately 12,500 km2 in Slovakia. Within this area 8,000 km2 is optimum habitat and supports >0.6 bears/ 10 km2. In addition 2,500 km2 supports <0.6 bears/km2 with the remaining 2,000 km2 having only transient bear occurrences. Harvest has been allowed since 1960, and population dynamics are significantly influenced by harvest regulations. From 1960 through 1980, 291 bears were harvested. Of these 230 (79%) were males and 61 (21%) were females. This excessive harvesting of males changed the sex and age structure of the population, allowed excessive population growth, and reduced natural selection pressure. During 1981-91 the growth coefficient of the population averaged 11.2%. Some improvement was noted after the establishment of a selective harvest regime. Of 176 bears harvested during 1981-91 weighing <100 kg. 36% were males and 64% females. On the basis of these data, yearly quotas were designed to encourage the harvest of subadult animals weighing <100 kg. Although this harvest design was not strictly observed, from 1981 through 1991, 441 bears were harvested, of which 281 (66%) were males and 160 (34%) were females.