VIDEO: Mother Bear and Two Cubs in the Wild

Wild animals in their natural habitat: The slogan of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values (FPWC) remains unchanged. Camera traps set by forest ranger Vardan Geghamyan in the Caucasian Biodiversity Sanctuary (CWR) have captured footage of a family of bears. The mother bear and her two cubs enjoy their freedom and unrestrained daily life in the wild.

The foundation emphasizes that more than 10 brown bears continue to be kept in captivity in various private areas of Armenia. These animals are held in small cages, deprived of professional care and attention.

The brown bear (/Ursus arctos/) is listed in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia. Currently, the species is included in the IUCN Red List with a status of 'Least Concern' (ver. 3.1). According to IUCN Red List criteria, it is assessed as 'Vulnerable' (VU B2ab(iii,iv)). Data confirm that bears often enter villages causing damage to fruit orchards and beehives, but their large numbers cannot be confirmed. It is more likely a consequence of the degradation of biotopes and insufficient food resources, leading to population fragmentation.

Covering approximately 30,000 hectares, the Caucasian Biodiversity Sanctuary is the first privately protected area in the South Caucasus. The sanctuary is managed by the FPWC. CWR and adjacent areas are of key importance for the conservation of biodiversity in the South Caucasus.

Thanks to the foundation's efforts, over ten rescued brown bears from various unfavorable conditions in different private areas of Armenia have found shelter in the Wildlife Rescue Center. The animals have been relocated to the rescue center through the Great Bear Rescue program, implemented in collaboration with the FPWC and the International Animal Rescue (IAR), from various locations including restaurants and cheese factories.