Asturias has experienced a significant rise in bear tourism, attracting over 5,000 visitors in just one month to the region of Somiedo. Known for its wildlife, particularly the brown bears, the area is now a major draw for nature enthusiasts.
While this is a major boost for local tourism, guides are raising concerns about sustainability. They report that many tourists are focused solely on taking a quick photo of the bears, neglecting the broader natural experience. “There are many visitors who want to see the bear as soon as they arrive, take a photo and leave,” say the tour guides
Guides call for more regulation
Local nature guides are pushing for stricter regulations to protect the bears and the environment from the increasing number of visitors. They worry that the growing popularity of bear watching could disrupt the animals and harm the natural balance. The high volume of tourists has put pressure on the small town of Somiedo, with many visitors failing to appreciate the need for patience and respect when viewing wildlife.
Sustainable tourism efforts
Local authorities are taking steps to manage the surge in tourism. They have implemented measures such as creating viewing platforms and parking areas to control tourist activity and reduce disruption to the bears. These efforts aim to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that the growing interest in bear watching doesn’t negatively affect the wildlife or the environment. However, experts argue that more needs to be done in terms of regulations and monitoring to protect both the bears and the local communities.
Brown bears in Asturias
The Somiedo Natural Park, located in southern Asturias, is one of Spain’s premier locations for observing brown bears in their natural habitat. The Cantabrian Mountains, including Somiedo, are home to an estimated 250-300 brown bears. Most sightings occur near the village of Pola de Somiedo, with guided hikes and eco-tourism activities like bear watching becoming increasingly popular. The region’s excellent environmental conditions support the conservation of the bears, and bear-watching activities are regulated to ensure the protection of the species and their ecosystem.