Bear Watching in Slovenia (Day tour)

The wildlife watching adventure starts in the town of Kočevje at the heart of the Kočevsko region. An experienced and specialized guide first presents the entire program and explains everything the group members need to know before entering the bear land. Next, the road leads deep into the wild forests eventually crossing the first wildlife footprints. This is the perfect place to stop and explore the wilderness of Kočevsko forests. One can find many different footprints of wild animals, each one with different interpretation and story. The guide shows how to follow animal footprints in their natural environment and provides lots of interesting information.

The hike involves a stop on a forest meadow, where it is time to rest, enjoy the peace of the forest and get some fresh energy with a forest picnic consisting of local products. The guide takes care of all photo enthusiasts by showing hidden corners of the mystical forestwhere best photos can be taken.

After a late lunch in nearby lodge which is also a great restaurant, a short drive takes the group to the »Bear room« in Kočevska Reka, a place dedicated to learning about bears and bear-related topics. The guide presents bear’s main features, its habitat, the importance of bear population management, measures for species preservation, and didactic aids and tools for population sampling. Learning about proper behaviour when in brown bear watching hide assures for a pleasant as well as environmentally and resident-friendly experience.  

Equipped with all necessary information about wildlife watching, the group is ready for the highlight of the day – a hunter guided bear watching at the special observatory. Observation takes place in a hideout located few meters above the ground to ensure safety. The best time for bear watching is late in the afternoon, just before dusk. Visitors should silently wait for the furry creature to pass by. Since bears follow more or less the same routine every day, the probability of spotting a bear is high. However, we do not want to interfere in bears behavior, so we do not influence their lives in any way. We have to know that nature is unpredictable and that’s the beauty of it.