From captivity to the wild: Rehabilitation conditions influence habitat selection and movements of orphaned brown bears in human‐dominated landscapes

Abstract In long‐lived species with extended maternal care, early‐life experiences can have lasting effects on spatial behaviour and risk perception, with direct implications for wildlife conservation in human‐dominated landscapes. Rehabilitation and reintroduction are increasingly used as conservation tools for large carnivores, yet the influence of rehabilitation conditions on post‐release behaviour remains poorly known. We evaluated how diversity in rehabilitation characteristics influenced habitat selection and movements in 27 orphaned brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) cubs released across six European countries between 2007 and 2022. Using telemetry data, we examined how individual traits, behavioural drivers and rehabilitation variables (age at release, duration of rehabilitation and social versus solitary rearing) interacted with landscape features to shape habitat selection and relate to post‐release movement speed. Habitat selection and movement speed varied with individual traits. Females tended to move less and select areas closer to forested habitats. At the same time, bears were increasingly found near roads and farther from settlements as they aged. Rehabilitation characteristics were associated with post‐release habitat use and movement. Bears released at younger ages moved less. Individuals that spent less time in rehabilitation showed stronger selection for forested areas. In contrast, socially rehabilitated bears moved more and tended to range farther from forested areas and closer to roads, consistent with a greater use of heterogeneous or human‐influenced landscapes. Synthesis and applications . Our results demonstrate that rehabilitation conditions are not behaviourally neutral and that variability in rehabilitation practices can shape how young bears navigate human‐modified landscapes after release. Evaluating rehabilitation success solely based on survival or conflict records may overlook meaningful behavioural differences that emerge during rehabilitation and influence exposure to anthropogenic risk. Incorporating behavioural and spatial indicators into rehabilitation assessment frameworks, and harmonising protocols around key practices such as determining release timing based on age, body condition, behavioural development and wariness toward human‐associated environments, can improve the effectiveness of reintroduction programmes and support long‐term coexistence between large carnivores and humans.