Slovenianbears – Bear-Friendly and Sustainable
At Slovenianbears, we believe that humans and brown bears can coexist responsibly and sustainably. For over a decade, our work has combined scientific expertise, sustainable tourism, media presence, and support for local communities.
Our activities are designed to avoid disturbing bears, promote respect for nature, and support sustainable ecotourism. We follow guidelines including:
- limited number of visitors and small groups,
- quiet and well-hidden observation hides,
- time-adapted visits without disturbance during sensitive periods,
- feeding strictly controlled and limited, using only minimal amounts to deter bears from settlements, never to attract or manipulate their natural behavior,
- emphasis on silence, patience, and respect for the natural environment.
Therefore, we are officially certified as a bear-friendly company.
Our References and Collaborations
Books
Marc Graf & Christine Sonvilla – book Unter wilden Bären.
Our contribution: access to observation hides, coordination, and local expertise.
Three photographers spent three years tracking the bears of Central Europe in Slovenia. Their mission? To capture new, never-before-seen photographs and provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of Europe’s largest predators. They share their own intense bear encounters, insights into how humans and bears can coexist, and inspire awe for the wild nature right on our doorstep.
Documentary Films
Slowenien – Am Puls der Wildnis (ORF II)
Premiered on ORF II, October 4, 2019
Our contribution: SlovenianBears actively participated in filming, organizing observation hides, and providing expert knowledge, enabling authentic footage.
Andreas Kieling – Kielings wilde Welt
Renowned German documentarian covering the life of large European carnivores.
Our contribution: SlovenianBears introduced our bear observation methods, safety protocols, and sustainable approach, which were part of the filming process.
Otmar Penker – Die Alpen
Documentary film about the Alps and bear life.
Our contribution: We supported filming with local knowledge, transport, and access to observation hides, allowing authentic footage.
DreiD.at – Bears of the Karawank Mountains
International documentary about bears in the Karawanks.
Our contribution: SlovenianBears provided local expertise, logistics, and access to observation hides, enabling the filming.
Media Coverage
CGTN / AFP: “Slovenians strive to live in peace with bears” – global media coverage.
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- Our contribution: SlovenianBears provided journalists with access and expert information, ensuring accurate reporting.
- CGTN / AFP
Siol.net – Bear Photo Safari: over 160,000 views.
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- Our contribution: We presented responsible bear tourism in practice, organizing photo safaris and practical demonstrations for visitors.
- Siol.net
Bayerisches Fernsehen (BR): feature on human-bear coexistence.
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- Our contribution: Provided expert guidance and filming coordination.
- BR Fernsehen
Awards and Recognition
Sejalec Award 2018 – for innovative tourism and bear-friendly photo safaris.
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- Our contribution: Developed a sustainable tourism concept, photo safaris, and support for local communities.
- Zeleni Kras – Sejalec 2018
Bear-Friendly Certificate – awarded by the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana.
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- Recognizes our commitment to responsible and sustainable bear tourism.
Impact on Local Environment and Sustainability
- Education and Awareness: Books, lectures, documentaries, and photo safaris change public perceptions of bears and nature.
- Tourism and Local Communities: The project supports local accommodations, restaurants, and educational centers.
- Nature Conservation: Our sustainable approach protects habitats and respects wildlife.
- International Recognition: Collaborations with renowned creators and media strengthen Slovenia’s reputation as a responsible, nature-friendly destination.
At SlovenianBears, we show that human-bear coexistence is possible, responsible, and touristically attractive. Every project, book, lecture, or documentary is proof that sustainable tourism, local development, and nature conservation can work together, benefiting wildlife, local communities, and the broader public.
About Slovenianbears.com
Slovenianbears organizes bear watching and photography experiences in Central Europe, working with a network of carefully selected hides operated by local partners. These can be booked individually or as part of a guided photo tour.
Our visitors have high chances of seeing and photographing wild brown bears, as the hides we work with are located in an area with one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. Locations are carefully selected with regard to positioning and light conditions.
While offering excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, we strive to keep disturbance to brown bears at a minimum. This is achieved by not using all locations simultaneously, by thoroughly briefing our guests, and by ensuring that only limited amounts of food are used at selected sites. We also follow a long-term approach, keeping the number of locations at a stable level to maintain a high-quality and sustainable experience.
Why are bears fed in Slovenia?
Slovenia, like many other European countries, has a long-standing tradition of providing supplementary food for wildlife at designated locations. The photography locations we work with are established in cooperation with local hunting societies, using the same areas where controlled feeding already takes place.
Only small and regulated amounts of food (typically corn) are used. Quantities are defined by official institutions and are strictly controlled on an annual and site-specific basis.
Slovenianbears cooperates with local partners, including guides, service providers, and small businesses.
This ensures that revenue remains in the region and supports local communities. As a result, visitors gain meaningful wildlife experiences, and brown bears—an important part of Slovenia’s natural heritage—benefit from increased long-term conservation value.
Slovenianbears.com acts as an organizer and intermediary and does not own or operate photography hides.
