On the tracks of the Marsican brown bear: from Palena to Pescasseroli
The Marsican brown bear is the symbol of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and undoubtedly one of Abruzzo's mountain mascots. The Marsican brown bear, whose population in the Park and neighbouring territories is estimated at around 50 specimens, is a subspecies genetically differentiated from the bears of the Alps, and is therefore an endemic species exclusive to central Italy. To get a closer look at them, tourists can visit the Bear Fauna Area in Palena (CH) and the Visitor Centre in Pescasseroli (AQ), where three new bears rescued from a circus have recently been housed. For children, the MOM - Museo dell'Orso, also in Palena, is an interesting place, where children can follow an interactive path to learn about and respect the placid plantigrade.
Follow in the footsteps of the Marsican brown bear between the Majella National Park and the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park:
Bear Wildlife Area - Palena (CH)
Protecting the species is the main objective of this wildlife area in the heart of Palena, 17 km from the Cipriani Park Hotel. A forest of fir trees, bushes, fruit trees and grazing areas in an area of 10,700 m² is home to two female specimens of Ursus arctos arctos, born in captivity in the Swiss park of Juraparc (Vallorbe) and unable to return to free life. The area is also often frequented by the smaller Marsican brown bear, the indigenous Apennine subspecies: the space has been designed to encourage coexistence between the bears in the area and the free-roaming bears in the Majella Park.
MOM - Museum of the Marsican Bear of Palena (CH)
Housed in a wing of the former St Anthony’s Convent, the MOM is located 18 km from the Cipriani Park Hotel. The exhibition rooms are of interest to all nature lovers, young and old, and describe the biological characteristics and life habits of the mammal. But that's not all: space is given to mythology, history, conservation and the problems of the risk of extinction. A very suitable visit for children who want to discover the secrets of the Marsican brown bear.
Pescasseroli visitors' centre (AQ)
Moving into the territory of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, about 56 km from the Cipriani Park Hotel, is Pescasseroli. The Visitor Centre is a place that introduces visitors to the Park through models, dioramas, light panels and themed exhibitions. But above all, it is an equipped area where it is possible to observe specimens of the main fauna of the National Park. The host animals have been found injured or with problems that make it impossible for them to live in the wild: there are specimens of European brown bear, a deer, an otter, a wolf, two porcupines and roe deer. In June 2020, three bears - Greta, Nita and Brumo - were rescued from a circus in Lithuania.
For more information on following in the footsteps of the Marsican brown bear, visiting hours and much more, ask at Reception, we will be able to advise you on the most suitable route for you.