Did you think that you had to travel very far away to see large wild animals? Well, you don't: you just have to fly to Asturias to see the amazing Cantabrian brown bear in action.
The Cantabrian brown bear – a magnificent beast with thick fur, an omnivore, which sadly is also an endangered species. It’s one of the world’s smallest subspecies of brown bear, which lives in the Cantabrian Mountains, and one of the greatest treasures in the region of Asturias. Following the tracks of these animals, which can weigh up to 180 kg, is a good excuse for exploring Asturias. But we actually don't need any excuses to go and visit this region's dense forests, fairy-tale mountains and quaint villages with stone houses.
Where do brown bears live?
There are around 350 brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains, and most of them can be found in Asturias, mainly in the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Nature Reserve. This park is the best place for bear watching. In addition to being a Biosphere Reserve, it was the refuge of the species in the 1980s and where its significant recovery began.
If you still want more, you can visit Somiedo Nature Reserve, where these animals roam freely. It's impossible not to fall in love with the cubs! We shouldn't forget to mention that these animals are actually dangerous and that we must be extremely careful: do not disturb them, especially if they have cubs with them. If you want to watch them safely, it's best to book a guided tour with one of the specialised companies that aim to help you understand more about their habitat.
Where to start? La Casa del Oso.
A good way to discover more about bears is to visit La Casa del Oso, in Proaza, which doubles as a visitor centre and tourist information point. As well as loads of audiovisual information, the centre has a children's activity area and a gift shop where you won't be able to resist purchasing a souvenir of this beautiful creature.
Opposite La Casa del Oso, you shouldn't miss the two bear enclosures that were originally built for the conservation of the Cantabrian brown bear. You'll learn all about its life and, you'll definitely fall in love with it!
But there's more! Somiedo y el Oso
In Pola de Somiedo we can visit the Somiedo y el Oso Visitor Centre, created by Oso Pardo Foundation which aims to give information on how residents in this part of Asturias have traditionally coexisted with bears. The experience begins with a visit to the so-called Sima de los Osos, a cave in Somiedo where speleologists have been able to recover remains of bears and other native fauna. You can also enjoy videos to learn more about these animals and tracking and footprint-searching routes.
The Bear Trail by bike
By now you'll probably have warmed to the idea of discovering these beautiful creatures that emerge from their caves in April and May to enjoy the summer to the full in the Asturian mountains. And if you also like cycling, you can follow in the footsteps of the brown bear on two wheels thanks to La Senda del Oso (The Bear Trail) by bike, which is a fun bike ride through the bear's habitat. There are several options, from the easiest (which are perfect for spending a morning with the family) to more difficult ones, which are only suitable for experienced cyclists who are used to cycling in the mountains. Although the Bear Trail is 30 km long, it can also be done on foot, either in its entirety or just a section, as the scenery is spectacular.
What if I meet a bear?
It is very rare to encounter a bear if you walk alone, as they are stealthy animals that usually come out at dawn or dusk to avoid the hottest hours. So the best idea is to book an organised activity to make sure that you actually get to see bears (and other animals too, as there are deer, birds and many other species to be seen in Asturias). There is something for everyone!
If, in spite of everything, you still end up coming face to face with a bear (although it's highly unlikely), you should stay calm and still, and try not to scream or make any noises or run away.
Have we managed to whet your appetite? Book a Vueling flight to Asturias, pack your hiking boots and discover how the Cantabrian brown bear lives in the Asturian mountains.
