Bears in Trentino

Questions and answers to learn more about them

In the late 1990s, in order to save a small nucleus of surviving brown bears from their apparently inevitable extinction, the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park along with the Autonomous Province of Trento and ISPRA (the Italian national Environmental Protection Institute) used funding from the European Union to launch the Life Ursus project. The aim was to restore a viable nucleus of bears in the Central Alps by releasing a number of individuals taken from Slovenia.

The project began in 1999, with the release of the first two bears: Masun and Kirka Between 2000 and 2002, 8 more bears were released, making a total of 10. The project, which wound up in 2004, brought the number of bears now in Trentino to over 100.

The presence of bears has raised many questions about how to behave in the event of a close encounter with one of these enormous beasts. We have replied to the most frequently asked questions below.

FAQ S

1. In all of Trentino, can bears be found? Is it common to encounter one?

Bears are present almost exclusively in the western area of Trentino. Bears are shy animals, so it is extremely rare to encounter one.

You can learn all about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains in peace on the signposts along the trails in the areas frequented by bears, and on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it

2. Do bears make forests less safe?

Bears are timid creatures, so it is unlikely that you will come across one. When bears do encounter humans, they quickly flee in most cases. In general, bears are quite indifferent to humans.

If you do happen to come across one, do not run: walk away at a normal pace.

However, it must be remembered that bears are potentially dangerous wild animals and must be treated and regarded as such. Therefore, it is essential to adopt some precautions, recommended by experts (see point 3).

You can learn all about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains in peace on the signposts along the trails in the areas frequented by bears, and on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it

3. What can I do to be careful?

The best strategy recommended by experts is to make your presence known, for example, by talking loudly or stepping on dry branches or making other noises that warn bears of your presence. Wild animals, including bears, tend to avoid groups of people. Moreover, bears are most active during the early hours of dawn and dusk.

Never approach bear cubs, not even to observe them up close and take photos. The female bear may perceive an approach as aggressive (see point 7).

Additionally, you must never leave food or organic waste behind you, as this can attract all kinds of wild animals, not just bears. This is also a good rule for respecting the environment in general.

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/FAQ

4. What must I do when walking a dog?

If you have a dog with you, it is essential that you keep it on a lead so that it doesn’t approach a bear, either disturbing or attacking it, but also so that the dog doesn’t lead the bear back to you if it needs protection.

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/FAQ

5. What should I do if I see a bear?

If you see a bear, do not approach it and do not stay in the area, even to observe or photograph it. Slowly and silently return the way you came. Do not run. If the bear has seen you, it will probably go away on its own. Wait for it to leave before continuing, and do not follow it, even if you are in a car. If the bear follows you, slowly back away without turning your back to it. Speak firmly.

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/FAQ

6. What should I do if I encounter a bear at close quarters?

In the event of a close encounter, experts recommend remaining calm, and avoiding running or making quick or agitated movements. It is important to back away slowly. If the bear stands up on its hind legs, it means that it wants to identify you to evaluate the situation. In this case, stay still and make your voice heard, calmly and without shouting.

If the bear shows signs of aggression through vocalisations, breathing or pawing the ground, back away slowly without losing sight of the animal. Do not run. If the bear runs at you aggressively, stay still. Do not shout.

In the unlikely event of physical contact that knocks you to the ground, stay with your face down, covering your neck with your hands. Do not react. If you are wearing a backpack, do not get rid of it: it could be useful for protecting yourself. Before getting back up, make sure that the animal has gone away.

As soon as possible, report the event to the relevant authorities.

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/FAQ

7. What do I do if I encounter a female bear with her cubs?

A female with cubs may consider a person who is very close a threat to her cubs, particularly in the event of a surprise encounter at close quarters.

To prevent/limit this, we recommend that you follow the advice in point 6.

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/FAQ

8. In which other cases can a bear be dangerous?

The dangerousness of the bear can manifest itself in particular conditions. In addition to the case of a female with cubs, mentioned above, injured bears, bears surprised while feeding on a carcass or other food, bears suddenly startled, frightened, bears disturbed in their dens and, generally, bears that are very confident around humans.

www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/Quando-l-orso-puo-essere-pericoloso

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: www.grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/FAQ

If I see a bear, who do I need to notify?

If you notice the presence of a bear in inhabited areas or close to human activities:

call 112

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the Autonomous Province of Trento’s website dedicated to large carnivores: https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/Comunicazione/FAQ

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Claudio Groff (Coordinator of Large Carnivore sector of the Autonomous Province of Trento) discusses bears, wolves and lynxes in Trentino, and how to behave in areas where these animals are present.

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