We evaluated the potential for reducing livestock conflicts within a bear (Ursus arctos) conservation zone by replacing sheep with cattle. We interviewed cattle farmers and veterinarians and investigated livestock and depredation statistics from governmental land-use and wildlife management in Hedmark County, south-eastern Norway. This county borders a reproducing brown bear population in Sweden and already contains several resident male brown bears. A brown bear conservation zone, within which bear density is planned to increase, covers 46% of the county's surface. There were about 7 times as many free-ranging sheep (128,600) as cattle (18,200) during summer 1998, with densities lowest inside the bear conservation zone. Estimated free-ranging cattle mortality was about 16 times lower than sheep mortality in summer 1998. During the past 13 years, no cattle were confirmed as killed by brown bears. The perception of the brown bear as a threat to cattle is higher among farmers than among veterinarians or managers. We found little support for the allegation that cattle become more difficult to control in the presence of brown bears. Regarding brown bear predation, we consider cattle a good alternative to sheep in Norway. In southeastern Norway, however, the expected expansion of the brown bear reproduction area and an increasing wolf (Canis lupus) population makes this assertion less certain. We stress the need for research on the predatory behavior of large male brown bears and wolves, as well as on measures to protect free-ranging cattle against potential predation.
- Volume 14
- Issue 1
- Pages 72-83
- Publication Date 1 January 2003
- DOI
- File Size 760.86 KB
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