Tarvo Roose, head of the Nature Conservation Management Department of the Environmental Board, said that according to the monitoring data of the Environmental Agency, the total number of bears in Estonia can still be assessed as good. Based on last summer, it is between 900 and 950 individuals. "Although the population of bears in Estonia shows stabilization, their number and distribution have increased over the last 15 years, and the state of the population can be considered very viable."
Unfortunately, the large number of bears also brings problems. Tarvo Roose noted that, according to the Environmental Board, the number of bear-related damages registered in the first half of the year is significantly lower compared to the same period last year: 108 in 2023 and 67 this year. Despite this decrease, people continue to see bears frequently, especially young ones, which often wander into human settlements. "Moderate hunting is important because it helps keep bears wary of humans, which is necessary to ensure the population's safety," explained Roose.
Tarvo Roose added that bears may be attracted to densely populated areas by readily available food. "The wild animal must not be given the impression that it is welcome in the settlement. A bear can find food, in a compost pile, which is why bio-waste must be stored in closed composters or closed compost bins." To prevent bear damage, properly installed and energized electric fences are very effective. The costs for these fences are partially reimbursed by the Environment Board.
When determining the hunting volumes, the cases of predator damage, the preventive measures taken in case of damage and the views of interest groups and local hunting councils are evaluated. The Environment Board sets hunting volumes based on the number of bears and the large carnivore protection and control plan. The latter stipulates that the number of litters with cubs must be at least 70. In 2023, the number of mother bears with cubs of the same age reached 89. The bear is a strictly protected species under the Wildlife Directive, and bear hunting is only permitted in exceptional circumstances to prevent damage and ensure safety, provided that there are no alternative solutions; and a favorable condition is maintained.
The bear hunting season starts on August 1st and lasts until the end of October.
The county bear hunting limits for the 2024 hunting season are:
Harju, 8
Ida-Viru, 17
Jõgeva, 12
Järva, 10
Lääne-Viru, 14
Põlva, 2
Pärnu, 6
Rapla, 5
Tartu, 11
Valga, 2
Viljandi, 7
