Awakening bears and the secrets of their dens: An insight from Tatra National Park
23 February 2024 14:22
Generally, bears in the Tatra National Park emerge from their winter slumber in spring. Despite winter still holding sway according to the calendar, the recent temperate conditions in the Tatras feel more like spring than winter. This weather shift has led to the first bears waking after several months of hibernation.
Exploring the bear's den
A Tatra National Park employee captured a video shedding light on the interior of an empty bear den. The footage was shared on the park's Facebook page. "This bear den was likely vacated on February 14th of this year," the man informed viewers.
Prior to vacating the den, the resident bear had snapped off branches to fashion a nest. "After all, lying directly on the snow isn't pleasant, particularly when you're famished!" the park's workers jested in their post.
The video, showcasing the bear den, was popular among online viewers. "Colourful insights into the winter accomodations of a bear", "An ideal bachelor pad", "Remarkable" - were among the compliments found in the comments.
The Tatra National Park team confirmed that the footage was captured in such a way as to not endanger the videographer or bother the den's inhabitant. "Our team tracked the bear's movements to a distance of several kilometres (about 2 miles). They only ventured into the den after ensuring the bear was nowhere nearby," the post clarified.
What to do when encountering a bear?
Should you cross paths with a bear or another wild creature, it's crucial to stay calm. Additionally, steer clear of sudden gestures, resist the impulse to take photos or toss scraps towards the animal.
"Be mindful of waste during trips - take all leftover food with you and dispose of it at designated sites outside the park's boundaries. Limiting travel to designated trails and exiting the mountains before twilight allows you to marvel at the splendour of the Tatras landscapes, concurrent with respect for the welfare of its wild denizens who call this place home," the Tatra National Park team advised.
Source: Tatra National Park
