Romania is one of the best places in Europe to watch bears in the wild, especially the Carpathian Mountains, home to a significant population of brown bears. Here’s how you can plan your bear-watching experience:
Best Locations for Bear Watching in Romania
1. Zărnești (Piatra Craiului National Park)
•Known for its dense bear population.
•Several guided tours are available, offering a safe way to observe bears in their natural habitat.
2.Brașov and Libearty Bear Sanctuary (Zărnești)
•The sanctuary is a great option for observing rescued bears in a controlled environment.
•Located about 30 minutes from Brașov, it focuses on conservation and education.
3.Harghita County
•Popular for bear hides, where you can watch bears from specially constructed shelters.
•Local guides can take you deep into the forest for a close encounter.
4.Bucegi Mountains
•Another fantastic location near Sinaia and Busteni, offering organized bear-watching tours.
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
Near the town of Zărnești, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary is a unique destination dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of brown bears. Spanning over 170 acres of lush forest, this sanctuary offers a second chance at life for bears that have suffered in captivity, while also educating visitors about wildlife conservation.
A Sanctuary with a Purpose
The Libearty Bear Sanctuary was established in 2005 by Cristina Lapis, an animal rights activist, in response to the plight of captive bears in Romania. Many of these bears had spent years confined in small cages, used as attractions in private zoos, restaurants, or circuses, often enduring neglect and abuse.
The sanctuary now houses over 100 rescued bears, providing them with a natural, safe environment where they can roam freely, climb trees, swim in ponds, and forage as they would in the wild. The sanctuary also cares for a few wolves, adding to its conservation efforts.
What Makes the Sanctuary Special?
- A Natural Habitat for Bears
The sanctuary is designed to closely mimic the bears’ natural environment, with expansive forested enclosures and freshwater ponds. Visitors can witness the bears engaging in natural behaviors, from playfully wrestling with one another to relaxing in the shade of trees.
2. Education and Awareness
The sanctuary’s guided tours are both informative and inspiring. Visitors learn about the individual stories of the bears, the importance of conservation, and the broader efforts to protect Romania’s wildlife. These stories of resilience and recovery leave a lasting impression on guests.
3. Ethical Wildlife Tourism
Unlike zoos or entertainment facilities, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary prioritizes the well-being of its animals. Visitors cannot touch or feed the bears, ensuring their rehabilitation remains focused on natural behaviors.
Planning Your Visit
•Location:
The sanctuary is located near Zărnești, just 30 km (18 miles) from Brașov, making it an easy day trip from this popular Transylvanian city.
•Tour Times:
Tours are typically held in the morning, with advance booking required. The sanctuary limits the number of visitors to reduce stress on the animals.
•Ticket Prices:
Admission fees range from €10–€15 for adults, with discounts for children. Proceeds directly support the care of the bears and the sanctuary’s operations.
•Getting There:
•By car: A 40-minute drive from Brașov.
•By public transport: Take a train or bus to Zărnești, followed by a short taxi ride to the sanctuary.
When to Visit
The sanctuary is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring, summer, or autumn when the bears are most active. In winter, the bears may hibernate, reducing the likelihood of sightings.
A Broader Conservation Effort
The Libearty Bear Sanctuary is more than just a haven for rescued animals—it’s a symbol of Romania’s commitment to wildlife conservation. The sanctuary works to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Romania’s brown bear population, which is one of the largest in Europe. It also advocates for stronger laws against the illegal captivity of wild animals.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the sanctuary can also explore the stunning landscapes of the Piatra Craiului National Park, the medieval charm of Brașov, or the legendary Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula folklore.
Tours for bear watching.
What should you know about bears?
If you’re used to walking through woods, there’s a good chance of seeing a bear. Observing a bear in its natural environment, from a safe distance, may be even pleasant.
Positive experiences with meeting bears are more than unpleasant experiences. However, it is still rare, though, that the encounter between man and bear is violent. To avoid this:
- Walk in group and only during the day;
- If the bear hears you coming, it usually avoids you. The bear feels threatened if caught by surprise. That’s why it’s good to talk or sing as you go, especially through bushes, where the visibility is low. Your voices will help the bear identify you as people;
- Be careful and watch the bear trails. Broken stones, logs or rotten roots may be signs that a bear searched for earthworms, worms or insects. The traces of the claws on the trees, footsteps in the mud or snow, fruits on the ground, all are signs that a bear is nearby;
- Keep away from the abundant sources of food and dead animals. The bear could be near;
- Avoid using fragrances or strong smelling cosmetics. It is advisable to have a pepper spray on you.
Bear species in Romania
In Romania, there is only one bear species, namely the brown Bear. The brown bear is usually a nocturnal animal. During summer, it weighs up to 180 kilograms, a surplus that it relies on during winter, when it becomes very lethargic. Even if they are not completely hibernating animals as they can easily be awakened, brown bears prefer to seek shelter in winter, such as caves or crevices.
The brown bear is a solitary animal, though, from time to time, a large number of specimens can be seen in places where food is abundant and where they form social hierarchies organized by age and size.
If watching brown bears seems exciting and it’s something that you would like to do, consider doing this activity only in the presence of a specialized guide, to avoid the dangers of surprise bear encounters. If you take into consideration all the recommendations above, you will have a very pleasant and unforgettable experience!
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