The Marsican brown bear

The Marsican brown bear lives only in the central Apennines and is one of the rarest bears in the world. The genetic monitoring carried out in summer 2025 estimated about 81 individuals (between 73 and 88), according to the monitoring coordinated by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and ISPRA and presented in July 2026. Every bear counts, and so does every encounter.

Bears are shy and tend to avoid people. If you see one:

  • keep your distance and never try to get closer for a photo;
  • if it has not noticed you, move away slowly the way you came;
  • if it has noticed you, stay calm, talk in a calm voice so that it recognizes you as a person, and back off without turning your back abruptly;
  • do not run and do not shout;
  • never get between a mother and her cubs.

Never feed a bear and never leave food or waste behind. Bears that get used to human food approach villages and end up in danger: "a fed bear is a dead bear".

The wolf

The wolf is back throughout the Apennines and is very rarely seen: it is elusive and avoids people. If you meet one, enjoy the moment from a distance, do not follow it and do not try to attract it. Keep your dog on a leash: wolves can see dogs as intruders in their territory, and a free dog can disturb other wildlife too.

Chamois, deer and roe deer

The Apennine chamois lives on the steep slopes of the highest peaks. It is protected and sensitive to disturbance, especially in summer when it has young. Watch it with binoculars, stay on the trail and never block its escape routes. In autumn, during the deer rut, keep a respectful distance: males are nervous and the show is better from afar.

Vipers and snakes

Vipers are not aggressive and bite only if they feel threatened. Walk with firm steps, look where you put your hands and feet among stones and tall grass, and never try to catch a snake. In case of a bite: stay calm, keep the limb still and call 112.

The golden rules

  1. Stay on marked trails.
  2. Watch from a distance, with binoculars or a zoom lens.
  3. Never feed wild animals and take all your waste home.
  4. Keep your dog on a leash.
  5. Keep your voice low and do not use drones where they are not allowed.
  6. If you find an injured animal, do not touch it: call 112 and give your position.
  7. Respect closures and limited-access areas: they protect breeding and resting animals.

WildLife in your pocket

WildLife has a section on the wildlife of Abruzzo with the golden rules to respect nature, safety tips and emergency numbers. With the AI identification you can photograph a plant, a flower, an animal or a mushroom and find out what it is, with advice on how to behave. Planning your trip? Start from our guide to the national parks of Abruzzo.

Frequently asked questions

The genetic monitoring of summer 2025 estimated about 81 individuals, between 73 and 88.

Marsican bears are shy and attacks on people are extremely rare. Keep your distance, do not run, move away slowly and never feed them.

Do not touch it. Call 112, describe the animal and give your position.