Were there bears in western Europe?

Yes, there were bears in western Europe. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) were once widespread throughout Europe, including western Europe. They inhabited a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and coastal areas. However, due to factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and persecution, brown bear populations in western Europe have declined significantly. Today, they are mostly found in remote areas of the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Cantabrian Mountains, and the Apennines.