Dracula's Guide to Romania

I have compiled a list of tips and tricks from different sources to make sure that all risks related to bears will be reduced and your trip to Romania will be an amazing one. Here are 34 tips on how to avoid bears in Romania.

My personal Tips

I have hiked Via Transilvanica 5 days every year these past 7 years. Never had issues with bears, but I did find bear paw prints, bear … after food, and signs that you should avoid bears after dark.

• Don’t feed the bears
• The more travelled the path, the lower the chances to find bears (exception on routes where stupid people feed the bears).
• Don’t go to the forest after dark; if you scare the bears, you will get in trouble
• Makes sure you are loud enough to be heard in the distance and the bears should avoid you
• Don’t run from bears, it will activate their hunting instinct

These are the tips that I followed, and I never had any issues. I never carried a bear spray, but if you want to stay extra safe, you can purchase bear spray. My biggest worry was big dogs, as you need to not run while also not intimidate them (bear spray works on big dogs too).

Bears are not dogs… If you feed them, they will gather in those places… Avoid places close to main touristy roads… Don’t do this:

I asked ChatGPT to make a summary of tips based on articles in the Romanian press to help with advice on how to make your mountain adventure safer in Romania. (Don’t worry, it all based on real articles, and I double checked)

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🔹General Prevention

1. Never hike alone – go in a group of at least 2–3 people.
2. Make moderate noise while hiking – talk loudly, sing, whistle, or wear a “bear bell” so bears know you are coming.
3. Avoid hiking in silence – a surprised bear is more likely to attack.
4. Ask locals or rangers about recent bear sightings before starting your hike.
5. Do not hike in heavy fog or rain – bears feel safer then and come out to feed.
6. Avoid areas with fallen trees and exposed roots – these may be bear dens.
7. Be extra cautious around shepherd camps or berry-rich areas – bears are often nearby.
8. Do not wear strong perfume – scents can attract bears.

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🔹 Food & Camping Rules

9. Never feed bears – this changes their behavior and makes them approach humans.
10. Do not leave food scraps or packaging on trails or campsites.
11. Store food away from your tent – hang it 50–100 m from camp, in a tree.
12. Seal food tightly so smells don’t attract bears.
13. Do not cook or eat near dense forest areas known for bear activity.
14. If a bear is following you, it may be after your food – drop your backpack in the opposite direction to distract it.

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🔹 What To Do If You See a Bear

15. Stay calm – do not panic.
16. Do not run – a bear is much faster, uphill or downhill.
17. Do not climb trees – bears are excellent climbers.
18. Do not make sudden movements – move slowly and steadily.
19. Do not look the bear directly in the eyes – it may see it as a challenge.
20. Do not turn your back – always keep facing the bear.
21. Back away slowly – retreat the same way you came.
22. Give the bear space to escape – don’t corner it.
23. Never get between a mother and her cubs – cubs are never alone, the mother is nearby.
24. Treat cubs like adults – they are just as dangerous because the mother will defend them.
25. If the bear hasn’t noticed you yet – quietly retreat without drawing attention.

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🔹 Defensive Actions if the Bear Approaches

26. Speak in a calm, firm voice – so the bear recognizes you as human, not prey.
27. Wave your arms slowly to appear larger, but don’t make aggressive moves.
28. Use bear spray if available – it should reach at least 10 meters.
29. If the bear charges but hesitates – use petards, whistles, metal objects, or flares to scare it.
30. If the bear attacks and you cannot escape – lie face down, protect your head and neck with your hands, curl knees to chest, and stay still.

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🔹 What NEVER to Do

31. ❌ Never approach for photos.
32. ❌ Never feed or throw food at bears.
33. ❌ Never scream or whistle after seeing the bear – noise works only before to prevent encounters, not during.
34. ❌ Never believe the myth “run downhill to escape” – bears are faster in all terrain.

Hiking in Romania – Via Transilvanica

Top 10 things you can see while hiking Via Transilvanica (Part 1)

Zarnesti Sanctuary, Brasov – A place for bears to live free

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Fortresses of Romania – 10 of the most impressive Romanian fortresses