Fact Check: "Only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania, making them extremely rare."
What We Know
The claim that only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania is inaccurate. According to the Distribution of brown bears, brown bears (Ursus arctos) have a much broader population across Europe, with estimates indicating that there are approximately 14,000 brown bears in various fragmented populations throughout the continent. Specifically, Lithuania has seen a significant recovery in its brown bear population in recent years. Reports indicate that the bear population in Lithuania is recovering rapidly, with increasing sightings noted in 2025 compared to previous years (Made in Vilnius).
Analysis
The assertion that only 5 to 10 brown bears exist in Lithuania is misleading and lacks credible support. The Eurasian brown bear is one of the most common subspecies of the brown bear and is found in various regions, including Lithuania. The population dynamics in Lithuania have been positively influenced by conservation efforts and changes in land use, leading to a resurgence in bear numbers.
The source from Made in Vilnius highlights that the Lithuanian bear population is not only recovering but also increasing, which contradicts the claim of their extreme rarity. The European Commission also provides data indicating that large carnivore populations, including brown bears, are generally stable or increasing in many parts of Europe (European Commission).
The reliability of the sources used to support the claim is questionable, as they do not provide any empirical data or recent studies to substantiate the assertion of such a low population. In contrast, the sources that document the recovery of the brown bear population in Lithuania are from reputable outlets and reflect ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that only 5 to 10 brown bears remain in Lithuania is false. Evidence indicates that the population is recovering and is significantly larger than the claimed figures. The assertion does not align with current data on brown bear populations in Lithuania and Europe as a whole.
