LocationsWhy do bears wake up in the middle of winter in the Dinaric Mountains?
February 27, 2026
In western Serbia, on Mount Jadovnik, among dense forests and mountain slopes, nature follows its own rhythm - slow, quiet, and steady. There is a traditional belief that if a bear leaves its den on “Sretenje”, winter is nearing its end.
Although bear biology does not follow the official calendar, the symbolism of this belief remains powerful: the bear has always been a sign of change, awakening, and the cyclical nature of life.
Climate change is altering the duration of snow cover, the number of icy days, and the rhythm of winter, yet wildlife continues to follow its own biological mechanisms. In recent days, cameras installed on Jadovnik have recorded bears briefly emerging from winter dormancy in search of food. This sight would not have been available to the public had it not been for the project “Watering troughs for strictly protected animal species”, implemented by the Jadovnik Citizens’ Association.
Near the watering sites, there is also a feeding station for griffon vultures and other wild animals at the Kašan locality, on the slopes of Jadovnik, which has been operating since 2009.
The feeding station at Kašan has become an important biodiversity conservation point within the municipality of Prijepolje, which hosts several highly significant protected areas, including the Landscape of Outstanding Features “Ozren–Jadovnik” and the Special Nature Reserve “Mileševka River Gorge”, protected since 1976.
“By establishing watering sites near the feeding station, stable access to water has been ensured—crucial for large birds such as the griffon vulture, which, due to their body mass and the terrain configuration, often cannot land at inaccessible locations to drink. Also, approximately 50 tons of animal-origin food are distributed annually, along with around 1,000 kilograms of grain for brown bears”, explains Vjekoslav Joksimović from the association.
With the construction of water reservoirs with a capacity of 10,000 liters, not only has water supply for wildlife been secured, but an additional resource has been created for extinguishing potential fires in the area. Excess water from the full tanks is directed to an additional watering site located about 100 meters from the feeding station.
One of the project’s most important innovations is the installation of modern video equipment, which enable continuous monitoring of animal movement - both at the feeding station itself and in the surrounding treetops and forest belt.
“Improved conditions contribute to a greater presence and abundance of species, as animals have everything they need in one place - food, water, and relative safety. Video surveillance allows us to systematically monitor species presence, and we use the material for scientific, tourism, and promotional purposes”, Joksimović emphasizes.
On Jadovnik, the meeting of tradition and modern technology demonstrates that nature protection is no longer merely a matter of goodwill, it requires a systemic approach, data, and long-term planning. And when a camera captures a bear emerging from the forest for a brief meal, it is not just an attractive shot, it is confirmation that the ecosystem, despite challenges, continues to function.
The project was implemented within the EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia initiative, which, with technical and financial support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.
*Originally published by: Why do bears wake up in the middle of winter in the Dinaric Mountains? - EU u Srbiji
