The days are getting longer and warmer, spring is in full swing and nature all around us has fully woken up. Here are our tips and tricks to help you stay safe in the forest – both you and the animals around you!

How to avoid wild animals?

• Don't walk in the forest in the dark, at dusk or at dawn
• Don't walk through the forest quietly, let others know you're there as you go
• Stick only to marked hiking trails or forest roads
• Avoid thickets and terrain with poor visibility
• Don't wear headphones with music playing
• Be extra careful in spring – because of mother bears with cubs

Do you know the bear bell?

As you move, the bell makes a pleasant ringing sound. The ringing gives away that a person is coming and warns the bear in advance. Bears are shy and will move away in time, so most of the time you won't even see one.

Be more careful near a noisy stream or in strong wind – the bell may not be heard. We recommend wearing the bell somewhere it can swing freely as you walk – clipped to your belt or backpack.

And what to do if you do run into a bear?

• If the bear is still a few dozen metres away, make your presence known with sound, walk back slowly and don't run
• If you find yourself closer, around 5–6 metres, use a special bear spray
• If direct contact is imminent, lie face down, protect your head and neck with your arms or backpack, stay still and don't try to fight back

Let's not forget, though, that forest animals are naturally shy and more afraid of us than we are of them. They are not our enemies – and above all, the forest is their home. By taking the necessary precautions, we can easily avoid encounters with them and keep both sides safe.

We should go into nature with respect, protect it and value it. But you surely know that already :)