Animals of the woods and the wilds

How and where to see them in nature

Deer and roe, foxes and badgers, woodpeckers and black grouse: Trentino’s environmental diversity makes it hospitable to a wide variety of animal species, many of which are typical of Alpine settings, like the Alpine chamois, the capercaillie and the ibex.

Encountering them in their natural habitat can be a deeply moving experience, but sightings are not always easy to come by. When you do spot a wild animal, it is essential to follow specific rules of conduct in order to observe them without being noticed yourself and frightening them.  

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.



FAQs 

Enjoy your good luck in sighting it, but do not approach the animal even if you believe it to be unwell or in difficulty. Do not follow the animal’s tracks, as by doing so you may force it to flee from the place where it is resting.

Remember that the animals of the woods are wild. Therefore, do not attempt to get close to them to take photographs or offer them food: this could be dangerous both for you and for them. Amphibians, reptiles and insects, which play a fundamental role in the ecosystem, are also not to be disturbed. Even if you encounter an animal while in your car, do not follow it in any way: this is prohibited and can cause pointless stress for the animals.
 

For more specific information on how to behave around animals like bears or wolves, read the dedicated sections on that topic.

Bears in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/bear-trentino-FAQ

Wolves in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/wolves-trentino-FAQ

 

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the website dedicated to the Forest Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento: https://forestefauna.provincia.tn.it/Fauna

When walking in the woods with a dog, you should always keep it on a leash as its sudden movements could frighten wild animals and cause them to flee.

 

For more specific information on how to behave around animals like bears or wolves, read the dedicated sections on that topic.

Bears in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/bear-trentino-FAQ

Wolves in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/wolves-trentino-FAQ

 

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the website dedicated to the Forest Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento: https://forestefauna.provincia.tn.it/Fauna

There are certain areas where you have a greater likelihood of spotting a hare, a fox, a deer or unique birds like vultures, golden eagles or capercaillies. The protected areas offer particular advantages in this respect: the Stelvio National Park, the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park and the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Nature Park.

You can get an overview of the wildlife present in Trentino by checking out the maps of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians available at the following links.

 

For more specific information on how to behave around animals like bears or wolves, read the dedicated sections on that topic.

Bears in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/bear-trentino-FAQ

Wolves in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/wolves-trentino-FAQ

 

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the website dedicated to the Forest Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento: https://forestefauna.provincia.tn.it/Fauna

Bring binoculars and appropriate photo equipment with you. This will enable you to keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animal. Always remember that animals need peace and tranquillity. They take refuge in the woods and areas with little human presence specifically so that they can fulfil their basic needs in stress-free environments: feeding, resting, seeking shelter from the weather, mating and taking care of their young.

To improve your chances of a sighting, do not wear loud colours. Choose more muted colours so that you do not stand out but rather blend into the environment around you, thus reducing the likelihood of its inhabitants noticing you.

 

For more specific information on how to behave around animals like bears or wolves, read the dedicated sections on that topic.

Bears in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/bear-trentino-FAQ

Wolves in Trentino: FAQ https://www.visittrentino.info/en-us/articles/practical-info/wolves-trentino-FAQ

 

You can learn more about how to behave in order to enjoy our forests and mountains on the website dedicated to the Forest Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento: https://forestefauna.provincia.tn.it/Fauna