The great range of the Carpathians, that arcs across Southern and Eastern Europe, finally ends in Serbia, though the line of the mountains do continue further South and East, and run on into the Balkans.

Serbia is unfortunately best know in much of the world for the fighting that went on in the past. However, the country does not deserve to be remembered for some of its hardest times. As with other Eastern European countries around it, life still feels, for those visiting from western Europe, like stepping back in time. 

Stunning forests (they still cover 31% of the country) and rivers, there are still around 500 wolves that roam these ancient forests. Unfortunately bears are less lucky with perhaps only 50 roaming the country. You might wonder why this number is so small, and unfortunately it is due to poaching: unlike the countries around it, dancing bears have not been outlawed and so Roma often earn additional money by catching young bears for the trade. Quite apart from it being highly cruel, and the dancing doing the bears much physical damage, more often than not the bear’s mother will be killed in order to take its young.

As such, visitors expressing interest in the wild bears will over time change this position. Importantly no one visiting should ever give money to a bear owner, as this simply reinforces it value to the owner. As there are few to no rescue operations in Serbia, this is harder than elsewhere, however long-term if there is no money in keeping bears, there is no reward for capturing them.

Lynx also roam these mountains as well as other parts of Serbia.

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