Three days in the field dedicated to the wolf and the Marsican brown bear that will allow us to deepen our knowledge of these two iconic animals through teaching, trekking, observations, meetings and discussions with activists who work for the safeguarding of these precious species.

Together with the friends of Wildlife Adventures we will explore the wild nature of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park following the tracks of large animals and learning to move correctly on the field.
Our attention will be particularly focused on the search for bears and wolves, but we will not forget the direct observation of deer, roe deer, wild boar, griffins and golden eagles.

Program

Friday May 27th
Appointment in Pescasseroli at 13 pm check-in at the hotel and didactics on the biology and ethology of the wolf with the participation of Elisabetta Tosoni, biologist and co-author of the L'Orso e la Formica project, to learn about the biology and ethology of the Marsican bear. A short walk in nature will help us understand the characteristics of the oldest Protected Area in Italy.
At sunset, wildlife watching session. Dinner and overnight.
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2 hours of walking
200 m elevation gain/200 m altitude difference downhill

Saturday May 28th
After breakfast we will make an excursion at high altitude in the territories frequented by one of the wolf families of the Park. In the areas where these elusive animals pass, it is also possible to come across deer, wild boar and chamois.
Return to the valley in the middle of the morning and collect your luggage and packed lunch. In the late morning we will stop in the Upper Giovenco Valley to meet the Salviamo L'Orso volunteers and learn about the mitigation projects carried out in the connection areas between the parks and reserves of the Central Apennines.
In the afternoon we will leave for a fascinating excursion in the forests frequented by the bear. These environments represent, from a structural and biological point of view, what is closest to their primordial state.
Add to this the beauty of the mountains and the scenery in which the bears live.
Arrival in the evening at the refuge, accommodation and tasting of local products.

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morning 3 hours of walking
350 m elevation gain / 350 m elevation gain

afternoon 2 hours of walking
400 m elevation gain / 400 m elevation gain

Sunday May 29
After enjoying a good coffee we will hike at high altitude along the ridge of the Montagna Grande. In this area, the landscape has been forged by farming activities, which are now partly in decline.
The combination of towering mountains, deciduous forests and pastured areas creates a very attractive backdrop for the return of wildlife. Packed lunch at high altitude and return to the valley in the early afternoon.
Closing of the activities and departure of the participants.

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4 hours of walking
200 m elevation gain
500 m altitude difference downhill

What to bring

The excursions involve good physical activity, so it is advisable to dress in layers to have the opportunity to be able to lighten up during the day. At sunset, even in the height of summer, warm and windproof clothing is required.
Bright and too visible colors should be avoided, colors such as dark gray, military green, brown are to be preferred.

Things to bring: waterproof jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweatshirt, spare t-shirt, trekking pants (long), spare socks, hiking boots, hat, light gloves, mountain backpack (30-40 liters), bag sleeping bag / sleeping bag, rain cover, bottle or thermos (at least 1 l), sunscreen, disinfectant gel, toothbrush and toothpaste, personal towel, slippers, t-shirt and comfortable trousers for the night, emergency kit (compeed ®, patches, drugs), ear plugs (recommended).

Difficulty level: E (hiking)

In a mountain environment, on paths they do not require particular technical skills, they cross wooded and open areas.
Average excursion distance 6-12 km from 200 to 500 meters of positive altitude difference.

Cost

- Activity contribution: € 45,00 (to be paid in advance at the time of booking)
- Wildlife Adventures Tour Operetor Contribution: € 180,00 (to be paid locally) which include:

Stay in the hotel for 1 night
Dinner and breakfast in the refuge + packed lunch
Stay in a refuge for 1 night
Dinner and breakfast in the refuge + packed lunch
Professional Liability Insurance
Headlamp (loaned for the event)
Nikon Prostaff 8 × 42 binoculars (loaned for the event)

Important information

Maximum 10 participants
Registration closes 15 May

The stay is offered on a double and triple basis at the Hotel Iris, a characteristic family-run hotel for the first night and at the Terraegna Refuge in a shared dormitory for the second night.
The breakfast is both sweet and savory, with numerous homemade cakes and good coffee.
In the evening we will taste traditional Abruzzo dishes including maccheroni alla chitarra, soup with orapi and beans or codetti with potatoes and ricotta.
Our region has a strong culture of sheep farming, so there will be the opportunity to taste many other local dairy products such as pecorino di Picinisco, or raw milk caciocavallo from Villetta Barrea.
Requests for vegetarian, vegan or special diets can be satisfied: remember to indicate these preferences when booking.

Event reserved for members of I am not afraid of the wolf in order with the annual membership fee.
Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult.

The activities will be carried out in compliance with the anti COVID-19 directives.
All participants must comply with the provisions that will be communicated by our association, keep a safe distance and avoid gatherings of any kind.

The program is subject to variations, decided by the organizers on the basis of contingencies and weather conditions.

All photos ® Umberto Esposito - Wildlife Adventures 2022

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