No comments Uncategorized

Bears in Italy

Posted by

Wild nature in the Apennines and the Alps

Many people associate Italy mainly with sun, beaches, and cultural cities. But nature also has a lot to offer – and this actually includes bears. Italy is one of the few countries in Europe where wild bears still exist.
The animals are shy, rarely seen, and strictly protected. Nevertheless, encounters with hikers and locals occasionally occur.

In this article you will learn everything about distribution, behavior, protection programs, and tips for travelers who are exploring Italy’s mountains.

Which bear species live in Italy?

In Italy there are two different populations of bears:

  1. Brown bears in the Alps (Trentino, South Tyrol, Dolomites)

    • Descendants of bears reintroduced from Slovenia

    • Today about 100 animals in the Trentino region

  2. Marsican brown bears in the Apennines (Abruzzo, Lazio, Molise)

    • A rare, endemic subspecies of the brown bear

    • Only about 50–60 animals remain

    • Mainly found in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

      Our Tip: Book accommodations in Italy easily via Booking.com: real reviews, large selection, fair prices, and flexible cancellation.

Both populations are highly endangered and strictly protected.

Distribution in Italy: Where do bears live?

Bears in the Alps

  • Mainly in Trentino, especially around the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park

  • Individual animals roam as far as South Tyrol, Veneto, or Lombardy

  • Very rare sightings in Tyrol and Graubünden (Switzerland)

Bears in the Apennines

  • Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park – the core area of the Marsican bears

  • Also in adjacent protected areas such as the Majella National Park

  • There are special hiking trails with information boards on bear protection

History: From extinction to return

In the past, bears were widespread throughout Italy. But due to hunting, habitat loss, and livestock farming, they were almost exterminated by the 20th century.

  • In the Alps they almost disappeared completely until in the 1990s an EU program (“Life Ursus”) reintroduced bears from Slovenia.

  • In the Abruzzo region, small remnants survived. Here the local population learned to coexist with the animals.

Today, Italy’s bears are considered a symbol of nature conservation and are an attraction for hikers and nature lovers.

How dangerous are bears in Italy?

Bears are generally shy and avoid humans.
They only become dangerous if they:

  • are surprised

  • defend their young

  • search for food and become accustomed to humans

In recent decades there have been very few incidents with injuries in Italy.
For tourists the rule is: encounters are very rare, since bears move in remote mountain regions. Bears are very dangerous animals that can indeed kill humans.

Behavior and lifestyle

  • Bears are omnivores: berries, roots, insects, honey, but also small animals or carrion

  • Especially in autumn they eat a lot to build up fat reserves for winter

  • Hibernation from November to March in caves or abandoned barns

  • Solitary animals, except females with cubs

Protection programs in Italy

Italy invests heavily in preserving its bears:

  • Life Ursus (Trentino): EU project to reintroduce Alpine bears

  • National Park Management (Abruzzo): Protected areas, anti-poaching teams, public awareness

  • Monitoring: Bears are tracked with camera traps and GPS collars

  • Tourism projects: “Bear safaris” and nature tourism to promote acceptance

Encounters with bears: Tips for hikers

If you are hiking in the Italian mountains, remember:

  1. Make noise: Speak loudly, clap, or use trekking poles – so you don’t surprise a bear.

  2. Don’t run away: If you see a bear, stay calm and slowly retreat.

  3. Don’t leave food: Trash and leftovers attract bears.

  4. Keep your distance: Especially from cubs – the mother is very protective.

  5. Follow local rules: In national parks there are clear regulations.

Bears and tourism in Italy

In some regions of Italy, bears have now also become a tourist attraction:

  • Abruzzo: Guided bear hikes with experienced rangers

  • Trentino: Nature tourism around the Adamello-Brenta Park

  • Environmental education: Visitor centers with exhibitions on bears

Thus, bears also contribute to the local economy – and are seen not only as a threat but as an opportunity.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about bears in Italy

Are there wild bears in Italy?
Yes, in the Alps (Trentino) and the Apennines (Abruzzo).

How many bears live in Italy?
About 150–160 animals in total, around 100 in the Alps and 50–60 in the Apennines.

Are encounters with bears dangerous for tourists?
Very rare – the animals are shy and avoid humans.

Can you see bears in Italy?
Yes, with some luck in Abruzzo or on guided tours.

Are the bears protected?
Yes, they are strictly protected and may neither be hunted nor disturbed.

Conclusion: Bears in Italy – rare treasures of nature

The bears of Italy are rare, protected animals that exist only in certain regions. For tourists there is hardly any danger, but the unique chance to encounter a fascinating wild animal in southern Europe.

Animals & Nature in Italy
Snakes in Italy Sharks in Italy
Tiger Mosquito in Italy Bears in Italy
Weever Fish in Italy Jellyfish in Italy
Ticks in Italy

Leave a Reply