What’s next for bears in Norway? Authorities reveal alarming data
The number of brown bears in Norway decreased in 2025. DNA analysis data also indicate a lower number of females. The changes mainly concern the Hedmark region.
The species is under strict state monitoring.
Fot. Aneta p, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) has published the results of brown bear monitoring. The research was based on DNA sample analysis. In 2025, fewer individuals were identified than the year before. This is the first decline since 2016.
Fewer bears and a change in trend
In 2025, 185 bears were confirmed in Norway. That’s 6 fewer than in 2024. Among them were 105 males and 80 females. The decline is considered small but noticeable.
A total of 1,538 samples were analyzed, about 100 more than the previous year. 791 samples provided complete DNA profiles, allowing researchers to determine the number of individuals and their sex. Many bears move between countries.
A total of 1,538 samples were analyzed, about 100 more than the previous year. 791 samples provided complete DNA profiles, allowing researchers to determine the number of individuals and their sex. Many bears move between countries.
Climate change may affect their habitats.Photo: fotolia
Hedmark key to the decline
The largest decrease was recorded in the Hedmark region, where the number of bears dropped by 8 individuals. The number of females also fell, by 10. Other regions saw slight increases.
Most bears live in Troms and Finnmark, where the number was 76 and remained unchanged compared to 2024. In Trøndelag and Møre og Romsdal, the number increased to 32. In Nordland, only 2 males were confirmed.
Most bears live in Troms and Finnmark, where the number was 76 and remained unchanged compared to 2024. In Trøndelag and Møre og Romsdal, the number increased to 32. In Nordland, only 2 males were confirmed.
It is estimated that 10.3 bear litters were born in 2025. This is less than the national target of 13. At the same time, 19 identified individuals died during the year, most of them shot, and one killed in a train accident, which affects the future structure of the population.
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