Romania
European Brown Bear
Meet the European brown bear! Romania's Carpathian Mountains are home to more of these huge, powerful bears than anywhere else in Europe outside of Russia.
Why is it special?
It is the largest land carnivore living wild in Europe today.
Romania's forests hold the biggest brown bear population on the whole continent outside Russia.
How does it live?
It roams alone through deep forests, alpine meadows, and rocky mountainsides, using a powerful sense of smell to find food.
In winter, it curls up in a den and sleeps through the coldest months in a deep rest called hibernation.
Amazing facts
It can stand over 7 feet tall on its hind legs — taller than most doorways!
Even though it looks slow, a brown bear can run about 30 miles per hour.
Quick facts
- It can stand over 7 feet tall on its hind legs — taller than most doorways!
- Even though it looks slow, a brown bear can run about 30 miles per hour.
- It eats mostly berries, nuts, roots, and insects, even though it's a powerful carnivore.
- A mother bear usually has one to three cubs, who stay close by her side for over a year.