Wildlife encounters and conservation efforts in Italy and beyond

In the Trentino region near Lake Garda, Italy, brown bears are a known presence, with an estimated 100 bears living in the local forests. While sightings are rare, incidents have occurred, including a hiker being followed in Molveno in April 2024 and a French tourist being attacked near Dro in July 2024. Experts advise hikers to remain calm and avoid screaming or running if they encounter a bear.

In the travel sector, Much Better Adventures has launched a Wildlife Collection featuring small-group, conservation-focused trips to locations including Estonia, Borneo, Madagascar, and parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America. The company, founded in the United Kingdom, aims to promote sustainable outdoor adventures led by naturalist guides. As part of this initiative, 5% of all revenue is donated to the World Land Trust.