Eurasian brown bears are big, playful bears from the forests of Europe and northern Asia. They breed well. I had a mother with four cubs in one litter, and a bear habitat full of cubs is one of the cutest things in the game.
Habitat basics
Brown bears need much the same as grizzlies:
- Water to swim in.
- Large rock shelters.
- Trees, shrubs and plenty of cover.
- Rock walls they can't climb over.
- A concrete barrier with glass viewing.
Water tips
- Make sure the barrier goes deep into the ground under any water. Otherwise water leaks under it.
- If you see "Animals less than 1 m from water level can cause obstructions", lower the water or reshape the edge.
- Use pumps to keep the water clean.
Enrichment
- Suspended ball with a frame
- Wind chimes
- Scent marker
Breeding and cubs
- Brown bears can have quadruplets (four cubs).
- Plan space for cubs before they arrive. A habitat that fits two adults can feel crowded with four cubs running around.
- When the cubs grow up, move them out for release groups, a second habitat or the trade centre.
Research blocked? Open the Sweden reserve
Brown bear research can get blocked until you open a wildlife reserve at the Sweden site. You'll need to buy the permit for that reserve location first. Sweden is one of the easier reserves, so it's worth doing early if you keep European animals.
Cleanliness and disease
Bear habitats get a disease-risk warning fast if keepers don't clean regularly. If you see it:
- Hire more keepers.
- Check the habitat is inside a work zone.
- Make sure the keeper hut is close enough.
Tips
- Brown bears and grizzlies make a great "Bear Basin" area side by side, with a shared viewing deck.
- Use temperate European plants and rocks so the two bear habitats look different.