Kuterevo Bear Refuge

Kuterevo Bear Refuge is a unique place in Croatia, in the small village of Kuterevo on the slopes of Velebit. Suppose you rent accommodation in Kuterevo or elsewhere in Lika. In that case, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet these magnificent animals and get a close look into their lives. Kuterevo provides a safe environment for young and abandoned bears that would not survive in the wild. It was founded in 2002 by volunteers and nature enthusiasts from the "Velebit Association Kuterevo," to protect and care for bears while raising awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats. The Kuterevo Bear Refuge is home to bear cubs that have been orphaned or found injured. Many cannot return to the wild, so the refuge becomes their permanent home. Kuterevo is also an important educational center, where visitors can learn about bears, their behavior and ecology, and the challenges they face due to human activities.