Among Bear Tracks

Mounting a camera trap on Ciomad Mountain in the Eastern Carpathians these days, at the beginning of spring, is a thrilling activity. After a serious winter, the harshest seen in years, some snow still remains on the shaded slopes at higher elevations. Meanwhile, bears are already fully active and searching for food. Their smaller and larger, older and fresher tracks and footprints, along with those of deer, criss-cross the roads and clearings. Some are so fresh that the mud from their paws is still clearly visible in them.