Lynxes yes, bears not necessarily? Between ecology and fear

The State Forests, in cooperation with the West Pomeranian Nature Society (ZTP), are implementing an ambitious project to restore the presence of lynxes in northern Poland. If successful, the big cats will once again play a role in regulating native forest ecosystems. Unfortunately, not all native predators currently enjoy public acceptance – attitudes toward bears are much more reserved.

The fight for Baltic lynxes with European support

Co-financed by the European LIFE Programme and the National Fund for Environmental Protection, the project Expanding the range of the Baltic lynx population in northern Poland offers a new chance for Poland’s forests. The need for its implementation arises from the threats faced by native lynxes, including low genetic variability and a lack of connectivity between populations in Poland and Lithuania.

Thanks to the efforts of the West Pomeranian Nature Society, 11 adult lynxes have already been released into the wild. The animals are bred in a special ZTP facility and reintroduced within the so-called Northern Ecological Corridor, which runs from Germany to Lithuania. Baltic populations in all three countries are closely monitored in cooperation with the Lithuanian Ecosystem Protection Center and the German Rewilding Oder Delta association.

The project also includes the establishment of a lynx rehabilitation center in the Spychowo Forest District, where sick, injured, or weak animals can recover under expert care. At the same time, scientists are expanding the Eurasian lynx genotypic library to study how genes are passed between populations. The project also recognizes the importance of public relations – namely maintaining and strengthening social acceptance of lynx conservation, and communication with foresters and hunters.

Bear not welcome

While lynxes are seen by the public as beautiful, graceful cats posing no threat to humans, we regard larger predators with much more caution. A month ago, Polish media widely reported on the Cisna commune, where 65 bear encounters near human homes were recorded in just the first half of the year. Concerned for residents’ safety, the General Director for Environmental Protection, at the request of local authorities, issued a decision permitting the elimination of three brown bears – but only if other protective measures fail.

The GDOŚ decision sparked considerable controversy, partly due to its misinterpretation. Still, it’s easy to understand the fears of parents whose children play in backyards visited by Poland’s largest predators. Especially since bear–human interactions in Cisna are increasing year by year, and attempts to scare off and relocate bold individuals are proving ineffective.

At the end of July, the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Krosno held the first meeting of the Field Support Team, whose goal is to prevent conflicts between humans and bears. Team leader Dr. Magdalena Misiorowska noted that the main cause of bear appearances in inhabited areas is the easy access to food – especially food waste in garbage bins and composters – as well as unsecured livestock such as chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, and even horses.

Biodiversity? Only where we want it

Ecologists around the world emphasize the key role of predators in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their removal severely disrupts biological balance, leading to increased herbivore populations and opening the door to invasive alien species. That’s why reintroduction programs for wolves, lynxes, or even bears (e.g., in France and Slovenia) are so important.

Although most of us care about the natural environment, few want to walk through the forest in fear. A bear appearing in a residential area quickly becomes a public enemy. How can we resolve this growing conflict? During the meeting in the Krosno Directorate, experts unanimously emphasized that predators need silence and very limited contact with humans in the forest. Suggestions included implementing seasonal forest closures during bear hibernation and modifying certain forestry practices. Residents of bear-inhabited regions – the Bieszczady Mountains, Foothills, and Low Beskids – are being urged not to leave food scraps in the forest.

It’s hard to speak of coexistence between humans and large predators on the same territory. Lynxes, wolves, and bears all need their own refuges. If we don’t want them near our homes, perhaps we should acknowledge their superior claim to forest space?

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main photo: kenny goossen/Unsplash