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For centuries, the brown bear has shared its home with people across Croatia. Its presence is a symbol of healthy, well-preserved nature. As an apex predator, the bear plays a vital role in maintaining balance within forest ecosystems – from regulating populations of other animals to influencing plant diversity and supporting forest regeneration. Bears help keep forests clean, disperse seeds, and control other wildlife species.
While we may think of the bear as an animal that lives deep in the woods, far away from us, the reality is that humans and bears have long lived side by side. However, as human activities increasingly impact bear habitats, these areas are becoming more fragmented – and our forest neighbours are becoming more visible to us. This is especially true for communities living in areas that are near bear habitats, where bears, often in search of food, may cause problems to those local people.
That’s why WWF-Adria is leading the campaign “Brown Bear: Our Longtime Forest Neighbour” – to promote peaceful coexistence between people and brown bears, particularly in regions where their paths are most likely to cross. Our goal is to support local communities, tourists, and the wider public in understanding the role of the brown bear, reducing potential conflicts, and preventing situations that could be dangerous – both for people and for bears.
With practical advice, tools and resources, we aim to foster understanding and respect for this important resident of our forests. Because coexistence isn’t just possible – it’s already happening. It’s up to us to make it safer and more sustainable, for the benefit of both people and bears.
🔸 Store waste in tightly sealed containers, and don’t leave food scraps outside.
🔸 Protect livestock and beehives with electric fencing.
🔸 Avoid leaving livestock unattended – especially at night.
🔸 Report any bear sightings to local authorities.
If damage does occur, it’s important to document everything right away (with photos) and notify the appropriate authorities. The simplest way is to call 112 – they’ll connect you to the relevant services. If the incident is verified, you may be eligible for compensation from the state budget.
By taking smart measures, we protect both ourselves and the bears.
For more information, check out these resources:
If you're visiting the mountains, forests, or villages in regions where brown bears live – such as Lika, Gorski kotar or inland Dalmatia – it's important to act responsibly:
🔸 Don’t leave litter or food waste in nature – it attracts bears.
🔸 Hike in groups, sing or talk – noise can help in avoiding a bear.
🔸 If you see a bear, do not approach it – not even for a photo. Back away quietly and calmly.
🔸 Never feed bears – it changes their natural behaviour and increases the risk for people.
🔸 Camp only in designated areas, and store food in sealed containers.
Remember: a bear is more afraid of you than you are of the bear. By respecting nature’s rules, we help protect ourselves – and this large carnivore that makes our forests truly special.
For more information, check out these resources:
If you’d like to support our work in protecting this important species, its habitat, and the communities who’ve been coexisting with bears for generations, you can symbolically adopt a bear and support our work with a donation.
You can also support bear-friendly businesses in Croatia and Slovenia – those that care about wildlife and promote peaceful coexistence.