Do you also feel the smell of spring in the air? It seems that nature is slowly waking up, so the bear will soon wake up with it from its winter sleep. And speaking of bears, we have a great suggestion for you: bearwatching.
The unforgettable experience of observing and photographing bears - and other wild animals - in a completely natural environment can be experienced in Pargo in an irresistible Gorski kotar. In the untouched forests that are part of the protected European ecological network NATURA 2000, right next to the National Park Risnjak, live all three big beasts of the Old Continent - the wolf, the lynx and the bear.
"Cromedo" gives visitors of Gorski kotar the opportunity to get to know the bears in their natural environment unhindered, while keeping both the bears and the visitors safe and free. They are primarily oriented towards observing bears, but do not exclude the possibility of the arrival of other animals that live in this area. It can be deer and roe deer, wild boar, badger, fox, and numerous species of birds.
The five observatories on offer are also five different visions of photo-hunting, which are designed so that you arrive at your destination in an organized manner and have an unforgettable experience of observing animals.
The observatories are located in carefully selected locations and are suitable for observing animals in the evening and morning hours, whether it is just observation or professional filming. They are modernly equipped, comfortable and safe for the stay of several observers at the same time. They are thermally and sound-insulated, so wild game cannot feel you, and due to the special types of glass, they cannot even see you.
These observation rooms are much more than some kind of bunker, because some of them have beds and air conditioners, so you can - if you are brave enough - spend the night in the heart of Gorski Kotar and watch the life that unfolds in front of you. Animals are observed from them from a short distance, so it is possible to take fantastic photos.
It is important to note that there is no room for commotion, noise or banging on the glass in these observation rooms, because that way you can only disturb the bears that approach you. Although they cannot see you through the glass, they feel that something is happening. Just watch and let yourself be admired by the wondrous beauty of Mother Nature and her creatures.
Photo: Gorski kotar Tourist Board
Transportation to the locations is provided by an all-terrain vehicle, and the drive itself is a special experience because you are driving through forest terrain where roads are partly unbuilt. There are also slopes and obstacles to overcome, so that the journey to the destination is a memorable adrenaline experience.
Bear watching the programs are not only focused on encounters with large animals, but also include experiencing the habitat, recognizing the signs of the presence of animals, as well as learning about the coexistence of wild animals and local residents.
This year, treat yourself to peeking into the wilderness, be a part of that coexistence and get to know our country's largest land animal - the bear - a little better. Croatia is among the rare countries where wolves, bears and lynx still live, which have disappeared in most Western European countries. This testifies to our enormous natural wealth, which should be appreciated and preserved.
Cover photo: TP archive
