The Marsican brown bear is one of Italy’s most precious symbols of biodiversity. Native to the central Apennines and closely linked to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, this unique subspecies is now facing a critical threat: only 50-60 individuals are estimated to remain.
Although brown bears have been protected in Italy since 1939, their survival is still at risk. Poaching, poisoning, road accidents and habitat fragmentation continue to threaten one of the country’s most important natural treasures.
Two bear subspecies in Italy, both under threat
Italy is home to two subspecies of brown bear: the Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos), found in the central and eastern Alps, and the Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus), an endemic subspecies of the central Apennines.
The Marsican bear lives mainly in the mountain areas surrounding the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, but it is also present in other protected areas, including the Maiella National Park.
Its uniqueness is also reflected in specific morphological traits, particularly in the shape and structure of the skull. The subspecies was first described in 1921 by Giuseppe Altobello, a naturalist from Molise who studied the wildlife of Abruzzo and Molise.
IUCN warning: a species in critical danger
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the brown bear populations present in Italy are in critical danger. One of the main threats remains conflict with human activities, especially livestock farming and beekeeping, where bears may cause economic damage.
The IUCN also identifies poaching as a serious and ongoing threat. This is compounded by the reduction and fragmentation of forest habitats, which has left remaining populations isolated and vulnerable to demographic and genetic risks.
For the Marsican brown bear, the situation is particularly fragile: its numbers are so low that every death can have a significant impact on the future of the population.
Human activity behind most deaths
Over the past 50 years, an average of 2.5 Marsican bears are estimated to have died every year. According to WWF, this figure may even be an underestimate.
Since 1970, around 80% of recorded deaths have been directly or indirectly linked to human activity. More specifically, 48% were caused by poaching, including firearms, traps and poison, while 32% were due to accidents such as road collisions and drownings in unsafe man-made structures.
These figures show that protecting the Marsican bear requires more than protected areas alone. Its survival depends on building real coexistence between people and wildlife.
WWF’s human-bear coexistence tour in Maiella
To raise awareness among citizens, local communities and visitors, WWF Italy is organizing a new Human-Bear Coexistence Tour from 1 to 5 August 2026 in the Maiella National Park.
The area is home to a stable presence of at least 3-4 Marsican brown bears and plays an important role in the potential expansion of the species.
The initiative will turn village squares into places for dialogue, listening and information. The aim is not only to share scientific knowledge, but also to build genuine relationships with the communities that live in and protect these territories every day.
As Filomena Ricci, WWF Abruzzo delegate, explains, volunteers play a crucial role because their commitment comes from a conscious and generous choice: dedicating time and energy to the protection of a species that symbolizes balance, biodiversity and natural identity.
How to take part
Those who want to dedicate a week of their summer to protecting the Marsican brown bear, exploring the landscapes of the Maiella and meeting local communities can apply to join the Human-Bear Coexistence Tour.
Applications must be sent to [email protected] by 26 May 2026.