When hiking in Transylvania, you are more likely to encounter a shepherd dog than a bear. These dogs are an extremely important part of the Transylvanian countryside, as they have the ability to protect domestic livestock from predators; without them there would undoubtedly be less tolerance for bears and wolves, which occasionally predate upon sheep and cows. Shepherd dogs are often recognisable by the wooden bar hanging from their collar (a legal requirement), which is meant to impede their movements. Some of our guests have encountered shepherd dogs during their hikes, but have not had any problems. The following precautions should be taken.

1) Find a walking stick (1.5-2 metres long) to carry either over your shoulder or drag it along behind you. The reason for this is that shepherd dogs recognise a shepherd by the long stick he carries and therefore may be less inclined to approach you; furthermore, the shepherds use it to discipline the dogs so they are normally frightened to approach. Do not use the stick to drive or beat the dog away, as this will only aggravate them.

2) When out walking you should observe where the sheep are on the hills and listen for sheep bells or dogs barking; if necessary, you should modify your trail to avoid meeting them. Keep a reasonable distance from these flocks.

3) If you should encounter shepherd dogs, stay completely calm. Do not run away. Normally, the shepherd will hear the dog’s barking and arrive to call them off. Once the shepherd has acknowledged you, the dogs will often become friendly or completely ignore you; however, do not attempt to pat them!

Fortunately for us, the European brown bear does much to avoid contact with humans; however, it is always a good idea to remember a few tips when walking in an area where bears are thought to be present.

1) Wild animals are frightened of humans. The reasons for this innate fear include: guns, noise, cars, houses, domestic dogs, and a history of persecution. If you meet a wild animal, it will most likely run away from you. Animals have a flight response to humans and given enough space, they will escape. The few bear attacks that have occurred in Transylvania have been the result of the animal being disturbed and then feeling trapped or threatened by the behaviour of the humans.

2) When walking through an area of the forest which is dense with young trees and shrubs, it is a good idea to make as much noise as possible, including whistling a tune. This gives the bear the opportunity to move away from you.

3) Should you see small cubs playing in an area of the forest, look carefully for the mother. Ideally you should then retreat away from the cubs, keeping an eye out for the mother. Again, remember how important space is to these animals.