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.