The Sarntal Alps
For the first time, the second consecutive wintering of a bear in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. The M75 bear spent the winter of 2023-24 in South Tyrol, more precisely in the Sarntal Alps, and has been on the move again for several weeks. The last trace of this individual was reported by the competent game warden on 5 April in the municipality of Barbiano. The Wildlife Management Office recently published a report on the presence of the brown bear in Alto Adige; in particular, the migratory routes of individual M75 were reconstructed on the basis of genetic results. The four-year-old male M75 is behaviorally inconspicuous and has rarely been sighted. Its presence was confirmed mainly by tracks, excrement and attacks on apiaries and livestock.
Rules of behavior in the presence of a bear
If you encounter a bear at close range, it is advisable to draw attention to yourself by speaking loudly and walking away. If you encounter a bear cub, it is advisable to move away with caution. The mother is most likely in the immediate vicinity. If a bear approaches or attacks a human, the latter should behave as follows; as the experiences of North America and Eastern Europe demonstrate:
· put an object in front of you, for example the mushroom basket or backpack
· if this does not have the desired effect, fall to the ground, crouch down and place your hands above your head.
Information on sightings
The Wildlife Management Office provides continuous information on ongoing sightings on the official website (https://www.provincia.bz.it/agricoltura-foreste/fauna-caccia-pesca/fauna/lupo-alto-adige/editore- on-the-presence-of-bear-and-wolf.asp ). At a local level, the mayors of the municipalities involved are also kept informed about the detections of large carnivores through a dedicated electronic channel. Additionally, the office urges you to immediately report all possible sightings of bears and wolves. The South Tyrolean hunting law also requires that holders of hunting licenses and game wardens must report any sighting or discovery of signs of the presence of bears and wolves within 24 hours to the provincial hunting office responsible for hunting. In this way the population and mayors can be promptly informed of the presence of large predators (source: Province of Bolzano).