The harmonious coexistence in our territory with bears

San Donato Val di Comino, gateway to the wonderful Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, is located in an area of extraordinary natural beauty and, even more fascinatingly, in an area where wildlife lives in balance with human presence. Among the species that inhabit our mountains, the Marsican brown bear is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and valuable, a symbol of an intact and protected environment.

Just to ensure peaceful and safe coexistence between humans and these magnificent animals, it is essential to be aware of some simple but crucial rules of behavior. As the signage that can be encountered in the areas closest to the Park also reminds us, "Bears? Better in the wild!" This slogan encapsulates the essence of the respect we owe these creatures: their home is the forest, and there they must remain.

The directions are clear and aimed at protecting both us and the bears. The first principle is categorical: "Don't make me find easy food". This means never leaving leftover food in the open, not abandoning garbage along trails and, if camping, storing food in sealed containers away from tents. A bear that becomes accustomed to finding easy food near human settlements loses its natural wariness and can become a problem for both itself and the community.

Equally important is "Stay away from me for my and your safety". A confidant bear is a bear at risk, and distance is the best form of respect. Should you spot one, it is essential not to approach it, do not attempt to call its attention, and never feed it. Keeping calm, making noise and moving away slowly are the main recommendations. Every bear has its own living space, its "territory," and invading it can generate stressful situations for the animal and potential danger for humans.

These are not just regulations, but an invitation to understand and respect the deep nature of wild animals. The bear is a symbol of our Park's biodiversity and an indicator of the health of our ecosystem. Contributing to its protection means preserving an invaluable heritage for future generations and continuing to allow our mountains to be an example of human-wildlife harmony.