In the frame of a meeting organized by the Alpine Rescue Team of the Guardia di Finanza, the Italian Alpine Club, and the Panathlon International, our team from Progetto Lince Italia met a group of blind people, especially guys, in Sella Nevea, a mountain tourist resort located in the Julian Alps of Tarvisiano, Italy. In addition to a short forest hike accompanied by nature and alpine guides, a practical lesson on alpine fauna was held, with particular reference to large carnivores and the brown bear.

The oral didactic lesson was held at the headquarters of the Alpine Rescue Team. It focused on sounds (animal verses) and handling of taxidermized animals, skulls, and foot prints in silicone. In this way, the blind participants, besides learning about fauna, could touch the bear hair, claws, teeth, as well as get an idea of the items’ size. Their interest was very high and they were absolutely thrilled to have participated in this experience.