Bear Wildlife Area
The wildlife area of the Brown Bear was inaugurated in 2015, following the completion of the MOM, the Marsican Bear Museum which has already been active since 2005.
The two centers, with didactic, educational and scientific purposes, were built in the Municipality of Palena (CH), in the landscape of the Eastern Maiella, the Upper Valley of the Aventino River, Monte Porrara and Monti Pizzi, in the most south of the P.N.M.
For over twenty years, sightings and signs of presence testify to the presence of the Marsican brown bear in particular in this sector of the Park, the only area, outside the PNALM, classified in the Patom (Action Plan for the Protection of the Marsican Bear) as part of the central distribution range of the species.
The small brown bear population present in Abruzzo, isolated from other bear populations present in Italy and Europe for thousands of years, is classified as a distinct subspecies, Ursus arctos marsicanus. Counting only a few dozen individuals, it represents one of the conservation interest units of the species most at risk of extinction in Europe.
Located in Colleveduta, about 800 meters. s.l.m., the Wildlife Area covers 10,770 square meters. and is characterized by a forest of fir trees, bushes, fruit trees and grazing areas, reflecting the natural habitat of the Marsican bear.
Our Goal
The primary objective of the wildlife area is to make the bear known in the land of bears!
An elusive animal, difficult to spot in nature, the bear can be observed in the wildlife area in total tranquility and safety by following an easy gravel path along the perimeter of the area accompanied by a guide. The itinerary offers the opportunity to learn about the biology, ecology and important conservation issues of the brown bear.
Currently the wildlife area hosts three specimens of European brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos), a subspecies of brown bear widespread in Europe. They are Caterina, Iris and Margherita, born and lived in captivity, therefore not destined to return to nature, each with its history marked, for better or for worse, by the intervention of man!
Furthermore, the Palena wildlife area can be used as a recovery / rehabilitation site for indigenous individuals in difficulty who need, for limited periods, special care and attention before being released into the wild.
We tried to present the Bear Wildlife Area, but the ideal is to visit it!
When to visit it
OPENING DAYS and TOURS:
March, April, May: all weekends and holidays, 9:30 – 11:00 and 15:30 – 17:30
June, July, August, September: every day, 9:30 – 11:00 and 16:00 – 17:30 – 19:00
N.B. The choice of the shift should be evaluated by favoring the cooler hours based on the period of visit.
October, November, February: all weekends and holidays, 9:30 – 11:00 and 15:30
December and January: guided tours are suspended to respect the hibernation period.
RESERVATION REQUIRED
with WhatsApp at 3398629165
by 18:00 of the previous day
The guided tour of the wildlife area can be completed with many thematic programs such as city tours, excursions, environmental education, even outdoors, workshops, meetings with experts, guided tastings and more. The proposed activities, or designed on request, meet the approval of groups of families, groups of friends, organized groups, tour operators, travel agencies and school groups, and are available all year round. The reservation must be agreed well in advance.