1 Austria was once true bear country Today, the alpine country of Austria is similar to most western European nations in that its brown bears are completely extinct, with the only sightings being strays from neighbouring countries. But 500 years ago, it was very different. Austria has 1003 buildings, roads or locations named after bears, similarly to … [Read more...] about Brown Bears In Austria: The Story So Far
Europe
M13 The Swiss Mayhem Bear: 2011-2013
1 M13, the early days For 100 years since the last one died in 1904, Switzerland had been almost completely free of bears. Like Austria, it was once a notorious bear heartland, with medieval farmers looking over their shoulders constantly, until the population was completely eradicated by government sponsored hunting. Occasionally though, a bear would … [Read more...] about M13 The Swiss Mayhem Bear: 2011-2013
The Pyrenees Brown Bears Of France and Spain
1 Pyrenees: natural bear country France generally isn't the first country that comes to mind when you think of bears. The first thought is normally a Canadian bear hunting a moose, or a Russian bear sitting at the dinnertable with its family, but there's one exception to the rule: the high mountain chain of the Pyrenees. These hills straddle the border … [Read more...] about The Pyrenees Brown Bears Of France and Spain
Italian Brown Bears: 10 Facts
1 Ancient times: Roman empire Brown bears have been roaming Italy for as long as Italy has existed, and the first solid references started with the notorious colosseum battles and their gladiators. Commodus was a Roman emperor who was brought up by his father Marcus Aurelius to be a wise and stoic ruler, but went in completely the opposite direction. … [Read more...] about Italian Brown Bears: 10 Facts