Yes, the brown bear is the largest predator in these parts, but its diet mainly consists of forest fruits, insect larvae, and ants. It’s worth remembering that the mountains are the bear’s natural habitat – we’re just guests. Bears have little interest in people and usually prefer to scavenge for animals that are already dead, or snatch prey from other predators, such as wolves. Smarter ones have developed a taste for food sources left by humans, such as corn or leftovers found at feeding stations for wild game.

Bears live a secluded life deep in the forests, often hiding out in rocky formations, cliffs, overhangs, caves, or amongst fallen trees, where a mother bear might create a den. During the day, they tend to lie low in dense thickets or scrubland. Bears do not seek out human interaction, and if you stick to a few simple rules, you’re unlikely to cross paths with one. Key guidelines include avoiding hiking earlier than an hour after sunrise or later than an hour before sunset, when wildlife is most active.

The best way to avoid an unwanted bear encounter is to hike in a group, or at least in pairs. A group naturally makes noise – whether it’s chatting, the rustle of gear, footsteps on the trail, or the swish of branches and grass. Animals pick up on these sounds from a distance and tend to move away. If you’re hiking solo, simply making your presence known by speaking softly (but not shouting) in dense areas, tapping your hiking poles on a tree or rock, or carrying a small bell on your backpack can be enough to alert wildlife.

If you do happen upon a bear, maintaining distance is crucial. If you spot a bear from afar, there’s no need to panic, even if it sees you too. Just calmly and slowly back away. A bear might stand on its hind legs, but this isn’t a sign of aggression – it’s simply trying to get a better look. Given enough time and space, a bear will typically choose to retreat rather than attack. By following these simple principles, the chances of surprising a bear in the forest are very low. However, if you’re moving quietly through dense terrain or venture deeper into the woods, it’s possible a bear might notice you too late. In such cases, a bear might bluff an attack, but this is usually just a display before it beats a hasty retreat.

The biggest danger comes from surprising a mother bear with her cubs; in this situation, she may attack to protect her young. It’s a good idea to carry bear spray and know how to use it if needed.

While absolute safety in nature can never be guaranteed, its wild, untamed beauty is one of the main reasons we love spending time there. The key is to explore the mountains of Liptov with respect and common sense, ensuring you come away with only the most beautiful memories.