My trip to Romania is fast approaching--------less than 3 weeks,YIPPEE!!!-------------and I can't really find much info out there on the likelihood of seeing large predators in the wild. I'm planning to do some walking in the Bucegi, the Fagaras and in Maramures and was wondering just how likely it would be to encounter bears and/or wolves while on the main trails. Also, I've heard that it is becoming quite common for bears to feed on rubbage in and around places like Brasov. True or False?
1
raduc
Hi there,
Fortunately Romanian Mountains still have large unspoilt areas that shelter a lot of animals. The wildlife is the richest in Europe. Brown bear, wolfs, black goats (chamois) and lynx still live here. However chances of seeing large predators aren't really big. You should know they are also afraid of peoples. I hike a lot but I don't see large carnivores often. In Bucegi I've seen bears twice (once it was a baby and my friend began to scream to make him go away). Instead I've seen a lot of chamois in Bucegi Mountains. And also I've seen a lot of deer in the Romanian
Carpathians.
Maramures is indeed to place to go to follow traditions, handcrafts, real life. You can also hike on the hills around or go in Rodnei Mountains for higher Mountains.
It's true you can see Bears in Brasov, coming to search food in the trash. I've seen them in august, near "Paraul Rece" Chalet, on the road that joins Predeal and Rasnov. They were happy with the food people drop them from the car.
If you intend to see the wildlife this is possible, but have to "go for it". I mean if you just go hiking into the mountains, you could still meet wild animals, but the chances of seeing large carnivores are small.
Don't hesitate to ask me for more, I'll be glad to further help you.
All best,
Radu
Hiking in Romanian Mountains
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