Bear Encounters in Transylvania

Last week of June, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the wild beauty of Transylvania.

Accompanied by a highly knowledgeable and professional guide, we ventured into the wilderness to observe bears in their natural habitat. Our guide’s expertise was matched only by his sense of humor, which kept the group entertained as we trekked to the observation hides. Approaching and leaving these hides required stealth to avoid disturbing the wildlife—a process that felt like stepping into a secret world.

The bears were a sight to behold. The massive adults commanded respect, while their cubs were irresistibly adorable. Watching them roam freely was a humbling experience, a reminder of nature’s raw power and the beauty.

One of moment, however, stood out above the rest. During our final bear-watching session, as the light faded and we packed up our camera gear, we prepared to leave the hide. The protocol is to wait in a single line outside while the guide locks up. Just as we were about to head down, a low, guttural growl stopped us in our tracks. Our guide whispered calmly, “ Stay still” “Don’t move, don’t move.” glancing back, we saw a large bear—accompanied by two cubs—just about five meters away from us. Moments later, the bear and her cubs bolted past us. I caught a glimpse of one cub scrambling up a tree, while thick branches snapped under the mother’s weight as she charged through the forest. The adrenaline of that moment was indescribable.

This trip to Transylvania was more than just a getaway; it was a profound encounter with nature that I’ll carry with me forever. The waterfalls, the bears, and that heart-pounding moment in the forest have left me with memories—and photographs—that I’ll treasure for a lifetime.