The Wildlife

The wildlife

Transylvania 4x4 Tours is committed to the conservation of Carpathian Wildlife. It is now accepted that tourism plays an important role in conservation especially through funding and education. We have researched many areas within Transylvania to bring you the best possible opportunity to see different species of wildlife. To enhance this experience the setting is also important. We have found a remote and beautiful location in the Vrancea mountains. This setting offers a mixture of forest, shrub and open grassland maximising your chances of viewing animals. Your armed tracker is very experienced and knows this area well.

Day trips can be arranged for very early morning or dusk. These are the best times to view animals in the wild. After walking for a while in open country, you will then be led to a bear hide at the edge of open grassland where you can sit in comfort whilst looking at these magnificent creatures.

Price on application and is based on a per session basis.

Session 1: Two hour morning or evening trip including transport and tracker.

Session 2: Evening trip including overnight stay in bear hide and morning viewing. Please be aware that facilities within the hide are basic; bed, chairs and stove. You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag. Sandwiches and drinks can be arranged with advance notice for a small additional charge.

Session 3: Individualised itinerary designed for film companies. Please be aware additional costs will be incurred by governmental agency for film permit.

For the best possible chance to see bears in the wild we recommend you book your tour in April or October. Caution: Transylvania 4x4 Tours cannot guarantee sightings of any of these animals. To see wild wolf or Lynx is extremely rare and bear sightings are becoming less frequent. Transylvania 4x4 Tours does not take responsibility for failed encounters when day trips are arranged in the forest with a tracker.

Bear

European Brown bear numbers have been decimated all over Europe over the last 100 years by hunters. Although rare to see a bear these days in the wild, your best chance of seeing one is within Romania. There is a population of about 6000 individuals. Chances of viewing: Moderate in spring and autumn, but rare outside of these seasons.

Lynx

The Lynx is an elusive creature within Europe, but population sizes are greatest within the Carpathian mountain range. It is believed that there are up to 1500 individuals that dwell within this vast forest range. This is not the case in Western Europe, where the species was completely eradicated approximately one hundred years ago. Introductory breeding programmes have been established in several countries, so Romania can play a significant role is supporting these efforts, and maintaining healthy numbers of this wonderful creature. Chances of viewing: Extremely rare.

Wolf

For many years now, Romania has played a significant role in assisting breeding programmes around Europe. This is because the largest resident population live within the Carpathian mountain range. It is believed that there are between 3000-4000 individuals which equates to approximately 40% of all wolves within Europe. Chances of viewing: Extremely rare

Wild Boar

There are huge numbers of boar in Romania, which can quite easily be tracked down. They tend to leave tell tale signs of their presence after foraging in the undergrowth for food. These animals are often over hunted and managed in Western Europe, so often grow to a bigger size in the vast forest ranges of Romania. Chances of viewing: Moderate

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