Bears in Trentino

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 2).

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 http://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it.

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: https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/Comunicazione/FAQ

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: https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/Comunicazione/FAQ

If you see a bear, don’t go near it and don’t linger in the area, but retrace your steps slowly. If the bear has seen you, it will probably move away. Wait before continuing your walk, but do not follow it. Afterwards, please report your sighting to the appropriate authorities if it was close to human activities, as specified in point 5.

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

If you notice the presence of a bear in inhabited areas or close to human activities, report it to +39 335 77 059 66 (available 24 hours a day). If necessary, teams of the Trentino Forestry Corps will intervene.

In the event of an emergency, 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

In the event of a close encounter, experts recommend that you stay calm, avoid running or moving hurriedly. It is important that you back away slowly. If the bear stands up on its hind legs, it means that it is trying to find out what you are. Stay still and make your voice heard, using a calm tone.

If the bear shows signs of aggression, lie face down on the ground and protect your face and neck by interlacing your fingers and placing them on the back of your neck. Do not shout and do not try to hit it. If you are wearing a rucksack, do not take it off: it could be useful for protecting you. Before getting back up from the ground, check that the animal has moved away.

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

More info:

https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/content/download/14892/256267/file/pieghevole_2022_A1_Orso_lupo_come_mi_devo_comportare.pdf

https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/content/download/13928/243186/file/Brochure_Incontro_Orso_ENG_definitivo.pdf

https://www.slideshare.net/ProvinciaTrento/orso-alcune-regole-che-bene-conosxere

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: https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/Comunicazione/FAQ

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.

https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/L-orso/Pericolosita/Se-incontro-un-orso/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: https://grandicarnivori.provincia.tn.it/Comunicazione/FAQ