If it is not a new form of tourism, we are close: voyeurism applied to bears in love complicates life in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
The poor bears, already victims of motorists, hunters, poison swallowers and Sunday shooters, are now also photographic prey for voyeurs.
The Park Authority was in fact forced to temporarily close the path followed by dozens of hikers to film the bears in love.
The path in question is the F10 which climbs to the summit of Monte Marsicano, at an altitude of 2,245 metres. Here various groups of people stationed themselves daily, often but not always accompanied by guides, to paparazzi the bears’ amorous encounters and publish their photographic efforts on social media (needless to say).
The organization learned that in the chats of some visitors to the area, timely information was shared on times and places in which to catch bears mating. Many went up to altitude even before dawn, contravening the regulations on the tourist use of the areas.
“We believe that seeing many videos of bears, like those posted in recent days, is certainly very exciting – writes the PNALM in a note – However, we do not understand why no one worries about the annoyance, interference and disturbance caused to these splendid and unique wild animals”.
The closure of the F10 path will remain in force until June 9th, unless an extension is needed for the best protection of the bears.
