Tracking moutain animals in Pyrenees

Welcome to Camping La Ribère! If you want to get in touch with nature and discover the animals that live in the Pyrenees, our campsite is the perfect place. Located in the heart of a protected natural area, you will have several opportunities to observe them.

We have some tips to help you increase your chances of seeing them during your hikes. And for those who prefer a more guided experience, we offer two options to discover mountain animals in their natural habitat.

Also, don’t miss the opportunity to observe a wide variety of species at the two zoos in the valley.

Tips for observing wildlife in the mountains

Hiking with your family in the Pyrenees is an amazing experience. You’ll get to appreciate the region’s natural beauty as you explore the mountains at your own pace. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot izards and marmots in their natural habitat. The Pyrenees present a range of trails that cater to hikers of all levels of expertise, from easy routes to more difficult treks for the experienced.

Some tips for observing them ethically, become a detective! :

• Be mindful of your surroundings
  • Observe nature quietly and carefully: Take breaks to listen to the sounds around you and observe your surroundings. Animals are excellent at hiding. Speak in a whisper to avoid scaring them, as animals have very good hearing.
  • Look for signs of wildlife: Look for excrement, tracks, or tufts of hair to help you find potential wild animals in the area.
  • Be mindful of the wind direction: Before hiking, avoid using any artificial scents (perfume/deodorant) as it may give away your location. Smell is the main tool that mammals can use to detect danger.
  • Choose the best times for observing wildlife: In the summer, animals avoid activity during hot periods. To increase your chances of seeing animals, we recommend observing during cooler parts of the day: at dawn or dusk.
• Do not disturb the wildlife:
  • Maintain distance: Always keep a safe distance between yourself and the animal to avoid scaring it and causing it to waste energy fleeing from you unnecessarily.

Remember to bring your camera to capture all the unforgettable moments during your hike in the Pyrenees.

Observing wild animals is a unique and memorable adventure to experience with family and children. The wilderness is accessible to those who learn to see and respect it. These values are essential to pass on to our children.

Pyrenees Animal Park

To see the animals of the region, visit the Pyrenees Animal Park, which is just 30 minutes from our campsite. You can see almost 120 different animal species, including marmots, otters, lynx, brown bears, grey wolves, vultures, ibexes, as well as red pandas, meerkats, gibbons, and singing birds from humid forests. The animals can be observed up close because they roam around semi-freely.

The park is open every day from April to November and is ranked among the top three most beautiful parks and zoos in France on TripAdvisor. Visit this hidden gem in the heart of the Pyrenees!

 

The Eagle’s Dungeon

If you are a bird of prey enthusiast, you absolutely must visit the Donjon des Aigles! This show presents an enchanting display of vultures, eagles, owls, kites, and parrots, accompanied by captivating music. You can catch the show at the Beaucens castle in the Hautes Pyrénées, and it’s an experience unlike any other. The show runs from spring vacation until the end of September, so you have plenty of time to enjoy it. And it’s only 30 minutes away from camping la Ribère! Trust us, you’re going to love it! 😃

Discover the mountains with a professional guide

Going on a hike with a mountain guide is an incredibly enriching experience, and most importantly, safe. You can explore the local flora and fauna in an enjoyable manner, while learning about the natural wonders of the Pyrenees.

By taking less traveled paths, you have a greater chance of encountering wild animals, whether they be terrestrial, aquatic or aerial! You could come across isards, marmots, eagles or even trout. Your guide is a true expert in local wildlife and can teach you how to recognize different species and better understand their behavior.

Hiking with a mountain guide

Going on a hike with a mountain guide (medium mountain guide, guide or ranger of the Pyrenees National Park) is an excellent way to discover the Pyrenees wildlife safely. You can fully enjoy nature and learn about local animal species.

Meeting with a ranger of the Pyrenees National Park

If you are looking for an authentic experience to discover the richness of the surrounding nature and exchange with a passionate professional of the Pyrenees fauna and flora, do not miss the field appointments organized by the Pyrenees National Park. Throughout the year, guided hiking excursions are offered to allow you to discover the wonders of this exceptional region in the company of a park ranger and learn about the conservation efforts in place.

Mountain hiking offers a variety of opportunities for exploration beyond observing animals. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, explore waterfalls and clear streams, or even learn about botany by identifying different species of mountain plants.

Book your stay at Camping La Ribère today and discover the wonders of this extraordinary region of the Pyrenees without delay!