Fact Check: Only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania.

Fact Check: "Only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania"

What We Know

The claim that "only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania" is a significant underestimation of the current population of brown bears in the country. The Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos), which is the subspecies found in Lithuania, has been observed to be recovering in numbers. According to a report, the bear population in Lithuania is experiencing a rapid recovery, with estimates suggesting that the population is much larger than the claimed figures. As of recent observations, the bear population is estimated to be in the hundreds, with some sources indicating numbers closer to 1,000 bears in the country (Made in Vilnius).

Analysis

The assertion that only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the current wildlife situation. A report from LRT mentions that while there is uncertainty about the exact number of bears, estimates range significantly higher than the claim, indicating a healthy and recovering population (LRT).

Furthermore, the BBC and other reputable sources have not supported the claim of such a low population, instead focusing on the recovery and increasing sightings of brown bears in Lithuania (BBC News). The sources discussing the bear population recovery are credible, as they are based on observations by wildlife experts and governmental reports, which typically undergo rigorous verification processes.

The claim lacks support from scientific studies or wildlife management reports that would provide a basis for such a low estimate. Instead, the evidence suggests a thriving population of brown bears, which contradicts the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania" is False. The evidence indicates that the brown bear population is not only surviving but is also recovering, with estimates suggesting a population in the hundreds. The sources reviewed provide a clear indication that the actual number of brown bears in Lithuania is significantly higher than the claim made.

Fact Check: Only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania.