It is said that the last bear inhabited the Dolomiti mountains of Belluno was killed around 1890 at the foot of Col Nevegal in the Valley of S.Mamante, lying outside Belluno city. It was shot by an old hunter with a thick moustache and dark eyes wearing a particular kind of hat who dedicated himself to chasing that bear.

As the years slipped by, as happens in folklore the stories become richer and more romantic with fantastic details so that they become more attractive and legendary. 

That last poor bear has become not only a hunted prey, but also the symbol of the struggle between the fantastic world of mountains and human hero who, unique and imperishable, challenged the laws and creatures and demostrated his superiority.

So when the bear was the winner, he became not only one of the many bears of the mountains, but he would be remembered as the biggest and fiercest bear that has ever been seen, that had almost supernatural power which saved him from packs of dogs and hunters that had chased him in vain among the valleys throughout the years, where he vanished, magically, through ravines and mists.

Until that fateful day.

One might even envisage that myriad of words in praise of the old hunter who like in victory struck down the last bear with his rifle.

Unfortunately, the last bear was predestined to become a trophy which was hung in some magnificent house at that time.

Stated above is the majority of the legends spread among folks. Legend of bear tell different things which talk about a bear, normally getting accustomed to solitude, who loves large-scale exclusive regions by nature and move separately. However if it was a female she would share her paths with her baby for two years at most.

According to the local legend of the bears, the bear knew that he was alone, but he decided to look for company. At that time, because of his inherent nature, even the grumpiest bear will look for a companion,  is the meaning of their whole life.

So the bear wandered far into the woods because he had to discover the value of life. However, at the moment he realized that maybe it was the last journey of his life and his shouts bounced off  tree trunks and rocks recieving only an echo response.

No familiar smell, no trace.

Only a hostile environment of hunters and their dogs, who coveted the last bear as a rare treasure. 

Therefore, the legend of the bears goes that even that the last bear tired of noises, odours of dogs and escaping through the fog, decided to stop.

And sniffing the air heavy with scents of men and human calls he stared straight ahead toward the horizon with round eyes, where Belluno and the Dolomites, former homeland of bear, were glowing as the sunset behind them.

The ferocious growl of the bear filled the valleys and went straight to the Schiara, the Marmolada, the Tofane and the Peralba mountains.

Suddenly after the sound of firearms and dogs' barking, a heavy thud sounded on the wet moss in a soft morning in the woods of St. Mamante.

It was the first time that the old hunter saw the glimmer in the bear's eyes fading, round, deep and clear eyes reflected the predator. But, in no time at all, the deep and clear eyes were used to catching the vision of fighting for survival among the beautiful mountains that are full of challenges.

At that moment, the hunter was disenchanted and made a promise, in the future he would never track and kill a bear, again the last growl of the bear would remain engraved in the human mind meanwhile, the last growl was the bear's promise and mission of his return.

This legend was handed down and preserved among their children. It was not of rage of resentment, but a promise to the fairies of the mountains, the spirits of the forest, the creatures of the rocks...ane day I will return to my homeland, because I am bound by my promise.

Today, the story of the last bear is going round to the next genertaion who still heard the vague echo in the tales of times gone by.

However, some inspiring thing happened. Believe it or not, the last bear has kept his promise. The bears echo has arrived far away and whispered in the woods, valleys, mountains and the bears house and now they have come. They are solitary and reclusive, and usually the prowl for honey and hunt some prey hiding themselves in the dark, through the ravines, after the plunder.

First one, then another one and slowly they are now here, around us, ready to recreate a new future for their offspring as the only settlers who came to make their homes in this land where they feel at home. The people of the mountains have accepted these newcomers, bearing the persecution.

Meanwhile, more and more local people have come to realize they should care about the natural enviroment and these endangered species, not least among the righteous men who are shepards.

These mountains, today a World Heritage Site, can be regarded as a better place as a home to creatures. In other words, mountains, human beings and animals especially these bears are all participant of this great common project.

After all, as is well known, every creature, mankind and bears, living today, face the common future conquest and share the same future. Or maybe you know of other options of future? However, the truth is just one!

It is our reason for choosing a bear's paw as our logol. The battle cry for the future of promise and hope for the new coming arrivals and bears of the Dolomites.

Welcome back Bear!