Are you a Hiking Guide?

With your work, you can give a voice to the bears by teaching a respectful and conscious way of experiencing the mountains.

READING TIME 7 MIN

With your work, you can give a voice to the bears and nature.

It is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Bears need space and tranquility. For them, the forests in particular are like the walls of our homes. There is one small difference: no intercom, no door to close, or window to shut against unwanted visits. When you are in nature, move with respect and inspire those with you to do the same. Give up a little adventure for the tranquility of the animals and reduce your impact. Do not approach the animals, give them space, avoid moving at night, and stay on the marked trails.

Bears, if disturbed, can experience negative effects on their well-being for days, if not weeks, to the detriment of their integrity and health.

Read this list of good practices and find the one that best suits your needs.

If you work in a protected area, make yourself aware of the current regulations and be the first to respect them and set an example. Be careful that no one in your group leaves food scraps or other waste in nature and explain the risks associated with food conditioning for bears and other animals. During certain times of the year, spatial and temporal restrictions may be imposed on hiking activities in specific areas to ensure peace for the bears. Follow the rules and explain why to those with you.

Bears should not be disturbed during hikes or other activities in nature. Before setting out, explain to those with you to minimize movement and noise. If you are observing in allowed areas, do not use or allow the use of flash, mute cell phones and cameras.

Try to avoid critical areas for bears, such as hibernation sites or feeding areas, by staying on official trails (inside protected areas) or areas usually frequented by people (outside of them). If you have any doubts, contact the nearest Park Authority; you will find someone who can offer advice. Do not encourage animal observation in populated areas: it promotes gatherings, dangerous situations, and makes animals increasingly confident. Spread the culture of limits and distance; it is an added value to your activity!

If other guides are working in the same area, plan observation activities in a way that avoids overcrowding. Consider alternating in the most frequently visited observation areas. You might consider working on a common ethical guideline to spread the same messages to the public!

Collaborate with the Park Authorities and ask to be regularly updated and appropriately trained. Organize local awareness days and, if possible, collaborate with nearby institutions and NGOs to carry out joint actions.

For the future of the bear, every small action we take matters. Spread knowledge, raise awareness, make a difference.

Subscribe and spread the Carta dell’orso, become a true Bear Ambassador!