The Poloniny National Park (Slovakia, 406 km2) is located in the Eastern Carpathians and borders the Bieszczady region in Poland. The number of bears moving across this area has been estimated in 25 individuals, from which 15 have been confirmed by non-invasive genetic analysis. Stofik and Saniga have recorded a total of 17 winter dens and 15 beds of brown bears in Poloniny National Park and its surroundings. The first record from a bear denning site was from 1974, a female with cubs in the Osadné region. They found that most dens are at a SW exposition, in steeper slopes, and located between 500 to 900 m a.s.l. The authors also discussed cases of winter den abandonment, mainly related to forest road upgrading, collective hunting, forestry activities and deer antler gathering. Six of the 11 winter dens were found in forest reserves, which suggest the need for undisturbed areas for brown bears in winter. The article can be downloaded here.
