Brown Bear Hide -Main Hide
Romania
Location and installation year
This hide is located in the base of the Hargita Mountain in Transylvania near the town of Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc). It was installed in a tranquil valley in September 2012. Later we have enlarged and renovated in 2016 and now got its final size in December 2018. This hide is used as our main bear watching hide as well, but we created a separate part to this hide where photographers have the best angle and this part can be separated from the other parts of the hide where ’bear watchers’could come. Our photographers use this separate part.
Access
It is 220 meter uphill walk to the hide from the parking area. In special cases (disabled photographers) we can drive to the hide as we have a service road up to the hide.
Size and style
It is 1250 cm wide (12,5 meter), 250 cm long and 250 cm high. It has elongated photo-windows perfect for photography. It is comfortable for up to 15 photographers. One part of the hide is separable and it fits maximum 6 photographers.
Comfort and accessories
- Chairs
- Curtains
- Lens-cover hole
- Ventilators for cleaning the fog from windows
- Heating system in case outside temperature is cold (in April or October-November)
- Shelf
Regulation
This hide can be entered any time of the day. We usually have an afternoon photo session from 15:30 to 20:00 (until dusk) but it is possible to visit the hide in the early morning as well. Smoking is not possible in the hide. Avoid to use any chemicals which the bears could smell (e.g. insect repellent, perfume, deodorant etc.)
Recommended Photo Equipment
The distance of the bears from the hide ranges from 5-65 meter. All sorts of lenses are recommended in the range of 200-500 mm. Occasionally the bears can appear very close to the hide as well. Extenders.
What to bring
- Tripod
- Headlight
- Warm clothing for emergency
Photo period
20th April to 25th September; other dates possible but bears not guaranteed
Possible species
Carpathian Brown Bear, Wild Boar, Red Deer, Red Fox