Near Badovci Lake, in Kosovo there’s a bear sanctuary, operated by Four Paws (Vienna, Austria), the sanctuary in Kosovo is one of the 6 bear sanctuaries in Europe (+ another one for bears being in Vietnam). Four Paws, founded in Vienna in 1988, now operates in 16 countries. Their 2024 yearly report says 49.000+ animals were helped directly, report says that they have had 42 animal rescues, they now have 13 sanctuaries and partner projects and 331 animals in their sanctuaries. The report also says Four Paws had 294.000+ visitors to their 13 sanctuaries.
The brown bear, known as Ursus arctos, is a widely distributed species. Brown bears can be found in various regions of the world, including North America and Eurasia.
Some Facts About Brown Bears
– The brown bear is the largest predator still living on the continent of Europe.
– A brown bear can reach quite a large weight depending on age, sex and season.
– Despite their weight, the animals can cover short distances at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
– Brown bears are generally loners who will only seek a mate for the mating season.
– At birth, bear cubs weigh approximately 400-600 g.
– 80% of the bear’s diet consists of food of vegetable origin and 20% – fish and meat.
– Bears have a well-developed sense of smell, they can smell on the big distances.
– Brown bears in the wild are mainly active at dusk and at night.
– In the wild, bears can live to an age of around 20 to 25 years, in captivity they can live even longer.
– Brown bears are excellent swimmers.
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Four Paws was founded in Vienna in 1988. Since then, continuous building of links and reach has led to expansion into a growing number of countries on all five continents. Today, Four Paws operates in 16 countries and manages 13 sanctuaries and partner projects, working on a truly global level to provide rapid help and long-term solutions for animals worldwide
Four Paws International – Four Paws countries 2024: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, France, Germany, Kosovo, Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam
(S. Guraziu – Ars Poetica, Sept. 2025 – Sources: Four Paws International, Four Paws Kosovo, Google Maps & Photos – Photos of the Badovci Lake: Qëndrim Abazi, Art Ramadani, Kujtim Hoti, Vigan Aliu, Genc Qehaja)