The Wild Side of Slovakia: Exploring Untamed Fauna
Who reigns over the Slovak forests, mountains, and skies? We invite you to a brief exploration of Slovak wildlife.
Kamzík Vrchovský Tatranský — Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)
The Kamzík vrchovský tatranský, or Tatra chamois, stands as an iconic and resilient symbol in the rugged peaks of the High Tatras in Slovakia. This distinct subspecies of chamois thrives in alpine meadows and rocky terrains, showcasing unparalleled adaptability to the challenging mountain environment. These sure-footed creatures navigate the steep slopes with agility, offering a breathtaking spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness them in their natural habitat. The Tatra chamois is a beautiful reminder of those few, yet even more precious parts of inherent untamed wilderness in the High Tatras. The natural enemies of chamois are mainly lynxes and golden eagles.
Zaujímavý fakt (interesting fact): Chamois have a special surface on their hooves that enables them to cling even to the steepest of rock faces.
Medveď Hnedý — European Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)
Deep within the dense forests of Slovakia, the Medveď hnedý or the European Brown Bear roams freely. They have a robust build, being one of the largest species of bear in the world, and a distinctive fur coat ranging from shades of brown to almost black. Unfortunately, because of climate change and expansion of human-populated areas, their natural habitat is reducing, and brown bears have been increasingly spotted around human settlements in recent years. Bear encounters in the wild are quite rare, bears are very shy creatures. However, you should know how to behave in the areas where bears are present and respect these rules.
Zaujímavý fakt (interesting fact): Brown bears usually hibernate during the winter, but it is not a general rule. They tend to leave their dens when the temperature is warm and the snow layer is thin or when there is enough food outside (for example, when there are enough beechnuts).
Rys Ostrovid — Lynx (Lynx lynx)
You can ask anyone in Slovakia whether they have ever seen Rys Ostrovid, or Lynx, in the wild, and almost everyone will have the same answer: “No chance.” Stealthy and elusive, a master of camouflage, the lynx is recognizable by its tufted ears and distinctive spotted coat. It is the largest wild felid in Europe, with a body length of 80 to 130 cm. His only natural enemy is a human. Today, the lynx is protected by law, but poachers still shoot them.
Zaujímavý fakt (interesting fact): His vision is truly excellent; in daylight, he can spot a mouse at 70 metres, a hare at 300 metres, and a roe deer at 500 metres. During the autumn coat change, the lynx grows thick, long fur on its paws, which serves as snowshoes. It helps him to move in loose snow, but also on slippery icy surfaces.
Orol Skalný — Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Taking to the skies, the Golden Eagle, or Orol skalný, is a majestic raptor that soars above Slovakia's mountainous landscapes. With a wingspan that can exceed two metres, these birds of prey are one of the largest eagle species in the world. Their keen eyesight and powerful talons make them formidable hunters. They tend to target all kinds of mammals and birds, using not only their strength but their cunning as well, sometimes picking small chamois and throwing them off the rocky cliffs as a hunting strategy. They often symbolize unwavering freedom, strength, and pride in Slovak folklore and culture.
Zaujímavý fakt (interesting fact): Eagles can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h when attacking at breakneck speeds. Some eagle pairs have been found to have as many as fifteen nests, which they rotate between, and some have only one nest in which they have nested all their lives.
Výr Skalný – Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo Bubo)
With a wingspan that can reach over a metre, this formidable owl is the largest in Europe and one of the largest owl species in the world. Renowned for its exceptional night vision and silent flight, this nocturnal hunter is a master of stealth, preying on small mammals and birds.
Zaujímavý fakt (interesting fact): It feeds mainly on mammals up to the size of a rabbit and birds up to the size of a pheasant. It also commonly hunts hedgehogs, leaving the prickly skin in place. During the mating call, the male searches for a female by not very loud hooting. Once they find each other, they remain faithful for life.
Have you ever encountered a (rare) wild animal? Which animal from the ones listed here would you like to spot once? Let us know in this forum thread.
Andrea, OLS Community Manager – Slovak
