The bear, a prehistoric animal
Traces of the bear and its ancestors predate those of man. 20 million years ago, the bear's ancestor appeared on Earth. Equipped with a tail, it was as big as a dog. It was during the Ice Age, 250,000 years ago, that the cave bear and the direct ancestor of the brown bear began their migration from Asia to Europe. The cave bear species died out 10,000 years ago, giving way to the development of the brown bear as we know it today. Prehistoric man hunted them not only for their meat, but also for their fur and bones, which were used to make weapons and tools. Wall paintings in prehistoric caves bear witness to the respect shown to these animals at the time. These paintings are often interpreted as rituals for successful hunting.
Slavic Rites and Customs
The bear is a legendary animal that nourishes the myths of many civilizations: totemic animal of the American Indians, animal with healing powers for the shamans of Siberia, the bear symbol is also very present in Slavic rites and customs. During "fašiangy" carnivals, villagers traditionally made bear masks and dressed up in bear skins. The bear is also part of the popular imagination through numerous tales, myths and legends, generally recounting stories of children being raised by a bear. Bears also feature in folk music and dance, with the most famous song being Medveďu, daj labu ("Bear, give a paw"). It dates back to the time of the nomadic gypsies who sang and danced all over the country. The bear was an everyday animal, which is why it was often carved or depicted in everyday objects, for example on traditional wooden glasses(črpák). It also appeared on the coats of arms of Orava and Spiš counties, and can still be seen today on those of some villages.
The hunt is on
In the past, bears had enough space to live peacefully, but their territories gradually shrank in the face of man's desire to transform forests into arable land or grazing areas. The cohabitation between man and bear then evolved and the first conflicts arose. Lacking space, bears began to attack livestock, visit beehives and cereal fields. Perceived as parasites, they were not only hunted for pleasure by the nobility, but also stalked by peasants. Any method of capture and killing was good: trapped in pits or enclosures and lured with bait. In the 18th century, a reward of seven gold coins was even paid for each bear killed. Once hunted, the bear's meat was eaten (bear paw was the most prized), its fur was used for clothing and its precious bile was used as a remedy according to the precepts of traditional medicine. This hecatomb lasted until the interwar period, when there were only a few dozen bears on Slovak territory.
A protection policy that is bearing fruit
In 1932, the public and the authorities realized that the bear was in danger, and a law was passed to protect the species year-round. Little by little, their population spread from their major breeding grounds, the forests of northern and central Slovakia. Exact numbers are difficult to determine, as bears live in the wild, in a vast area that is difficult to access. At present, Slovak experts estimate their population at around 1,200. The law protecting the bear is still in force and bearing fruit. Specialists monitor the evolution of their population, and the Ministry grants a few dozen bear hunting permits a year. The framework is very precise: the bear hunted must weigh less than 100 kg (exceptionally 150 kg), in order to preserve the dominant males in their role as regulators of the natural balance. An exceptional permit is also sometimes granted for a targeted bear that has committed significant damage or, through its behavior, has become a threat to humans.
Today, the preservation of this majestic animal in its natural environment seems assured thanks to cooperation between ecologists, national park workers and hunters, but also with tourists and mountain lovers. Eager for tranquillity, the presence of the brown bear is a good indicator of the balance of the forests in the face of man's domination of nature. The bear is now threatened not only by poaching, but also by increasing human encroachment on its territory. The construction of roads, infrastructure and leisure facilities is dividing up and reducing the bear's living space. Lacking sources of food, they are forced to move closer to areas occupied by humans, at the risk of encountering them.
The life of the bear
Despite its strength, the bear is not a good hunter, which is why it has gradually become an omnivore, with 85-90% of its diet of plant origin. In spring, it feeds on grass, but also on dead animals. In summer and autumn, its diet is more varied. It consists of blueberries, raspberries and other woodland fruits, acorns, ants and larvae. However, given their large numbers in Slovakia, those who don't have enough space are forced to seek food in areas inhabited by man, and gradually become accustomed to their presence. They come down from their mountains to forage in beehives, rubbish dumps and village or cottage garbage cans, to see if they can find something to put under their teeth. They then stock up on food before wintering from December to February or March.
Bears mate from May to July. Adult females tend to have one to three cubs every two to three years. Cubs are born in the den in winter and weigh less than 0.5 kg. On average, they stay with their mother until they are two and a half years old.
Meeting with a bear
Although bears are not man-eaters, encountering them in the wild is not always an easy experience. Under certain circumstances, they can be dangerous to humans, which is why it's worth knowing where and how they live, and above all what to do if you happen to come across one in the woods.
Of course, seeing a bear in the wild is a dream for many people, and it's entirely possible to make it come true. To do so, it's best to find a safe, non-contact location where you can observe the bear from a safe distance. Some specialists offer bear-watching outings in areas they know inside out: Liptov Active, Slovak Wildlife Society, Watching.sk.
Central Slovakia and the High Tatras are bear country. Bears live in the mountains and are mainly concentrated in the national parks of central and northern Slovakia: Low Tatras (Nízke Tatry), Little and Big Fatra (Veľká Fatra, Malá Fatra) and above all the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry), where the figures speak for themselves. In 2019, residents and visitors to the High Tatras reported the presence of bears in residential areas on 97 occasions. For their part, hikers encountered a bear in its environment more than 700 times, particularly around the towns of Tatranska Lomnica, Stary and Novy Smokovec. The bear population is increasing in the southern half of central Slovakia, in the Slovenské Rudohorie and Poľana mountains.
How to avoid encountering a bear. Maintain maximum vigilance when wandering in the forest, knowing that you're potentially in his home. Keep a close eye out for signs of its presence, such as tracks on trees, damaged raspberry or fruit bushes, footprints or bear droppings.
If you come across a dead animal, leave the area immediately. Bears are natural scavengers and can smell dead prey from up to 30 km away. It's the only land mammal with a sense of smell more powerful than that of a dog. Don't be afraid to make a noise: speak loudly, whistle or, like the locals, ring a small bell when crossing areas of reduced visibility. Bears have good hearing. If he notices your presence in time, chances are he'll avoid you. Avoid walking with a dog in the forest. This is a risky venture, as the dog may sense the bear and start to follow it, or even attack it, or in the other direction, it may run away from a bear and bring the animal straight back to you.
What happens if you meet one? In the event of such an encounter, it's vital to remain calm. Don't try to run - you won't stand a chance, because bears run as fast as horses. If you see a bear that isn't acting aggressively and isn't near you, try to retrace your steps gradually and discreetly. Always keep an eye on the bear and its reactions, but avoid direct eye contact as much as possible, as the bear might see this as a provocation or a challenge! Don't try to approach the bear or even feed it, as sometimes happens in certain vacation resorts, where you might feel safe. If you come across bear cubs, don't try to interact or make contact with them, as the mother bear is certainly not far away, watching over her cubs and ready to do anything to defend them. This is clearly one of the most dangerous situations. If the bear is after you and you have the opportunity to climb a tree, this is a possibility. Be aware, however, that the tree must be suitable and that you need to climb at least four to five metres! Adult bears can't climb that high up in trees - only small bears can. If the bear comes after you, try to throw away some of your equipment or backpack so you can "entertain" the bear for a while. Finally, if worst comes to worst and the bear rears up on its hind legs and prepares to attack you, throw yourself to the ground and "play dead". As you do so, protect your head, neck and abdomen in a position resembling that of a foetus in its mother's womb. Don't move until the bear leaves your area. Try to stay calm and manage this alarming situation as best you can - some testimonials have proved that this works.
Bear in mind, however, that these are only recommendations and are not a 100% guarantee of a "happy outcome". It's hard to know in advance how you'll react in such a situation, especially when it comes to the emotional management you need to keep a cool head. Since the dawn of time, the bear has had an image in the collective imagination of a violent beast, whereas in reality it is used to avoiding man. Aggressions are generally provoked by injured animals, surprised or disturbed during hibernation. The bear is a solitary animal, living alone in its territory. It's only when they have to leave their territory to get food and move closer to areas inhabited by humans that a risky situation can arise. This proximity to man can create the opportunity for a chance encounter, where the bear may feel threatened and attack.
Bear overpopulation: a new political challenge
Bear overpopulation in Slovakia has become a complex environmental and political issue. Over the years, the brown bear population in Slovakia has increased dramatically, reaching levels that pose significant wildlife management challenges.
Slovakia is now home to one of the largest brown bear populations in Central Europe. This population has grown in part thanks to rigorous protection measures put in place over the last few decades. However, the increase in bear numbers has led to more frequent interactions between bears and humans, especially in rural areas where the bears' natural habitat is close to human communities.
The Slovak government finds itself in a delicate position, having to balance the conservation of the species with the safety and interests of local populations. Discussions are frequently held on the possibility of authorizing controlled hunting to reduce the bear population, a solution that divides public opinion. On the one hand, animal rights activists fear that hunting could endanger the long-term survival of bears, while on the other, some locals and farmers see it as a necessary measure to protect their livelihoods. It's an issue that polarizes society.
