Brown bears have always roamed the dense forests of Slovenia. This is their natural habitat, and over centuries, people and bears have learned how to coexist. For such a small country, Slovenia is home to a surprisingly large population of these magnificent animals. Most live in the central and southeastern regions, where vast stretches of forest connect seamlessly into Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
I’ve been photographing bears here for many years. As a nature photographer, I spend a lot of time wandering through the woods, and now and then, I’ve had the chance to meet a wild bear in its natural environment. They are shy creatures — the moment they catch my scent or hear me, they usually disappear into the trees. Still, a couple of times I managed to capture a quick shot of a surprised bear before it melted back into the forest.
One of the best ways to safely observe and photograph bears is from hides. I often visit my friend Miha Mlakar, who runs Slovenian Bears. We’ve been friends for years and share countless hours in the forests of Mt. Snežnik — sometimes just hiking and enjoying nature, other times sitting quietly in his hides, waiting for a bear to appear. Miha often asks for my feedback on the setup, the light, and how photographers might experience the moment. Over time, we’ve had some truly unforgettable encounters, from curious young bears to massive adults confidently strolling past.
Photos of Brown Bears in Slovenia
Looking back, it’s hard for me to choose a single favorite photo. More than the images themselves, I treasure the memories of these encounters. Each bear has its own character — they are playful, cautious, or bold in different ways, almost like people.
Video about Photographing Brown Bears
A few years ago, Miha invited me and a couple of friends to film a vlog about photographing bears. It turned into a wonderful experience: not only did we capture young bears, but we also photographed other forest animals that share this habitat.
Conclusion
If you’re ever in Slovenia and dream of photographing brown bears, I highly recommend Miha. He is the best person to guide you into this world — safely, responsibly, and with respect for these incredible creatures.
I feel truly grateful for every encounter I’ve had with brown bears in Slovenia. Each moment in the forest reminds me how special it is to share this land with such incredible animals. And I know there will be more encounters and photographs waiting in the future — each one as exciting as the first. If you enjoyed this story, check out more of my posts about Slovenia and wildlife photography — there’s always another adventure just around the corner.
