Bear watching holidays in Romania

Historically, bears in Romania suffered horrifically at the hands of humans. Zoos, circuses, caged pets and ‘dancing’ bears on street corners were once commonplace. However, in 2007 Romania joined the European Union and that brought new laws including the EU Zoo Directive, which meant all zoos in Romania had to meet a certain standard of animal welfare. Many zoos could not comply and their bears faced euthanasia, but were saved by the Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

Here, Romania’s mistreated bears were rescued and welcomed into vast natural enclosures where they were safe and looked after. Libearty Bear Sanctuary is not a zoo, you understand; it’s for animals not for humans. Bears are cared for when they need it, and left to roam within the wooded slopes of the Carpathian Mountains. Rehabilitation projects allow some bears to be freed into the wild. For others, a life of peace and safety is the best way for them to end their days as naturally and happily as could be hoped for.

Wild bears are also a Romanian success story. There are an estimated 6,000 wild bears in the Carpathian Mountains, and ongoing conservation initiatives and responsible wildlife holidays mean these numbers are increasing. Volunteering at Libearty Bear Sanctuary or tracking bears with an expert guide are the best ways to have an unforgettable, up-close, experience. They’ll also mean you are helping bears and remote Romanian communities.

Unfortunately, the more brown bears there are in the wilds of Romania the more chances there are that they’ll come into contact with areas inhabited by humans. Livestock farmers living in remote villages are increasingly aware of bears and despite a national hunting ban on large carnivores there’s a whiff of revolution in the air when it comes to dealing with ‘problem animals’. The more income generated for people living in rural regions of Romania through bear watching holdiays, the more chances there are that bear populations will be protected.

“The bear sanctuary is a beautiful, peaceful place and watching all the bears eating, splashing about in their pools, climbing trees and just enjoying their surroundings was a fantastic experience. Hearing about where all of the bears had come from and what they had been forced to endure in captivity made me feel very sad but the way they had been rescued and are now being so well cared for was truly moving and inspiring.” – Libearty Bear Sanctuary volunteer, Rosemary Hindley

Leaving bait for bears is a controversial subject. This was once the practice of hunters but is now employed by wildlife watchers and animal researchers wishing to attract bears. On one hand it interferes with bears’ natural behaviours and may lure them to areas inhabited by humans as the bears search for more food. On the other hand it decreases hunting and poaching as local people benefit from income from wildlife tourism.

Talk to your holiday company about the practice of leaving bait. Has it discouraged local poaching? Has it resulted in more bear-human conflict? Often it is only through discussion and engagement with people living and working in local areas that we can gain more understanding and improve our practices as responsible travellers.

One more thing: it’s not scary or unsafe to watch wild bears in Romania. Guides know the movements and behaviours of the bears through years of experience and practical research. You’re in safe hands. Also, it’s worth mentioning that European brown bears are not overly interested in people. Food and rubbish bins, yes; humans, passé, no.

Tailor made bear tracking holidays in Romania can be arranged from April to September, as bears hibernate during the harsh Romanian winter. May and September are the best months to watch bears in Romania as temperatures aren’t too hot and Brasov isn’t as busy.

Life at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary continues all year round, however. As the bears are fed, and many were previously conditioned not to hibernate, volunteer assistance is needed year round to ensure the sanctuary can function. Peak months, such as July and August, can get booked up months in advance.

If you're interested in watching bears in other parts of the world our bear watching travel guide has loads of advice and information to keep your paws full, all year round. From grizzlies and polar bears to advice on responsible tourism and when to go; Romania is just the start when it comes to making tracks.