Wildlife And hiking

Old May 8th, 2015, 04:52 AM
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Wildlife And hiking

I'm planning a backpacking trip in Europe and my expert level is novice as of now, my main concern is coming across a bear/cub any beast that is a carnivore. Any tips to avoid them other than not going? lol
Are the animals largely populated and is so to a specific region/country?
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Old May 8th, 2015, 04:54 AM
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Wildlife in europe is substantially different than in the US. I would check to see the areas you plan on walking through to find out if there are even bears - or even more rare any other large carnivore - there (very rare or nonexistent in much of europe - unlike the US).
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Old May 8th, 2015, 04:55 AM
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Honestly, I would not really worry about it. Unless you are in some really, really, really remote area you will be ok. Aside from bears (which are not as nasty as polar or grizzlies), there are no large predators to worry about (wolves are making a bit of a comeback but I wouldn't worry about it). Do what you do when hiking in the U.S. and you'll be fine.
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Old May 8th, 2015, 05:00 AM
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Just took a quick look and it seems that there are only about 17,000 bears in europe with by far the largest number of them in Russia and other areas of eastern - not western or central europe where you will be. This is versus about 300,000 bears in the US (including NYC suburbs).
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Old May 8th, 2015, 06:07 AM
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Wolf in france is controlled areas, bears in Russia, emmm... However, I would keep an eye open for wild boar that can gut a man in piglet season, all over northern Europe. Also geese can you a nasty peck and swan's can break your arm.

Cattle in birthing season can be a problem if you have a dog with you

Lots of sightings but few injuries.

You'll be fine
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Old May 8th, 2015, 07:13 AM
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My hiking partner was attacked by a billy goat in the Dolomites. He made the mistake of feeding it part of an apple and it got mad when he stopped.
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Old May 8th, 2015, 07:21 AM
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There have been polar bear attacks in the far north. I doubt you'll get there.

I was once crouching on a narrow trail on a mountain in Switzerland. A chamois went flying by me down the rock face. Absolutely scared the craap out of me.

They won't eat you though.
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Old May 8th, 2015, 07:27 AM
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The most dangerous wildlife in Eurpean forests are ticks.
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