The population of Cantabrian brown bears in northern Spain has seen a significant recovery, with nature guide Luis Frechilla estimating their numbers may now exceed 500. This marks a substantial increase from the late 1980s, when the wider population across the Cantabrian mountain range had dropped to about 60 bears.
Despite this rebound, the species is still classified as endangered. According to Frechilla, this classification will remain until the official bear count reaches 1,000. The increased numbers have made the bears much easier to observe in areas such as Somiedo natural park, one of Spain’s first protected areas established in 1988.
Conservation group Fundación Oso Pardo has played a key role in the population's regrowth. Biologist Alicia Madrid notes their efforts include building bio-corridors with strategically placed trees and bushes that provide food for the bears. A hunting ban, implemented in 1973, has also been a crucial factor in their recovery.
Madrid explains that Cantabrian bears are adapted to their mountainous terrain, being generally smaller and lighter than American grizzlies, and do not hibernate as long or deeply as other brown bears. The foundation is now focusing on encouraging isolated bear cohorts to breed with other groups to boost genetic diversity.
Nature tourism is also being managed to balance ecological needs with financial incentives for local communities. Somiedo natural park is cited as a model for good practice, with much of the bears' territory closed to the public and spotting expeditions requiring licensed guides. This approach aims to provide local jobs and be more sustainable than past hunting practices.