Observe Cantabrian Brown Bears in Asturias’ Natural Parks

This guided tour takes you into Asturias’ Natural Parks to find Cantabrian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos). Due to various conservation measures, the number of brown bears in Asturias has tripled in the last decades. Nowadays, over 300 individuals roam Asturias’ dense woodlands and rugged mountains. And their number is growing! That, together with the presence of an experienced official guide, gives you a high chance to spot brown bears in Asturias!

Brown bears in Asturias’ mountains and natural parks

Depending on the time of the year and the weather conditions, your guide brings you to the mountains of Teverga or the Natural Parks Somiedo and Cangas del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias, in the heart of Asturias. The guide’s knowledge about recent sightings and the behavior of bears increases your chance of observing them. However, this can never be guaranteed. If seeing bears is the main purpose of your visit to Asturias, we advise you to plan at least two days to try to find these iconic animals.

Other mammals

You will have an unforgettable day in the Asturian nature. Your private guide tells you everything about the brown bears, their habitat and their role in the ecosystem. He also has many stories and anecdotes about the relationship between bears and the people of Asturias. There’s also a chance to spot bear traces like footprints. Furthermore, there’s a high chance to spot other animals: red deer (Cervus elaphus ), chamois (Rupicabra rupicabra), wild boars (Sus scrofa), badgers (Meles meles) and beech martens (Marten foina). There’s even a possibility to encounter other rare mammals such as wolves (Canis lupus) and European wildcat (Felis silvestris)!

A bit of background on Cantabrian brown bears in Asturias

The brown bear present on the European continent is a relative of the North American grizzly bear. The subspecies ‘Iberian brown bear’ is present in two different geographical and genetical populations: in the Pyrenees (around 40 individuals) and in the Cantabrian mountains (around 300 individuals). The latter, in turn, is divided into two subpopulations: the eastern (Palencia, Cantabria and Asturias with over 40 bears) and the western one (Galicia, Leon and Asturias with over 250 bears).

 The Natural Parks Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias are home to the largest number of brown bears on the Iberian Peninsula. Thus, if you want to observe these majestic animals, book this tour with us for an unforgettable experience!

Want to read more about brown bears in Asturias? Read our blog!