Assessing Social Compatibility in Captive Brown Bears (Ursus arctos): Development and Application of a Standardised Ethogram for Behavioural Observations and Social Evaluation.

The brown bear (Ursus arctos), classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), faces significant challenges in captivity due to varied and often inadequate living conditions. One critical issue is the social compatibility of individuals housed together. Captive environments necessitate close quarters and interactions that can lead to stress and behavioural problems, especially for a species naturally inclined toward solitary living (Smith & Clark, 2018; Swaisgood and Shepherdson, 2005). This study focuses on the social behaviour of captive brown bears, aiming to assess their suitability for cohabitation through the development and application of a standardized working ethogram, a crucial tool for behavioural observations and social evaluations. The research, in collaboration with the global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, was conducted on two brown bears housed at the BÄRENWALD Müritz sanctuary, Germany. Behavioural observations were carried out using fifteen-minute continuous focal sampling sessions, employing a working ethogram specifically tailored to brown bear behaviour with an emphasis on social dynamics. Data collected was used to produce an activity budget and to identify space usage and aspects of social behaviour. Although the study originally planned three phases of socialization—housing in adjacent enclosures, introduction, and post-cohabitation—the bears were ultimately deemed unsuitable for cohabitation and the plan was adapted based on to the animals´ behaviour. Findings underscore the challenges in assessing and managing social compatibility among captive brown bears, highlighting the need for detailed behavioural evaluations to optimize their welfare. By developing a standardized working ethogram, this research contributes insights into the complexities of bear social dynamics and provides a vital tool for animal caretakers, researchers, and wildlife managers to objectively assess and enhance social compatibility in captive environments. Furthermore, the insights gained will aid in refining enclosure designs, social grouping strategies, and overall management practices, ultimately improving the welfare of captive brown bears (Kreger et al., 2000).