In a world reshaped by COVID-19, many of us are finding solace in nature. It’s a place where we can find peace and be truly present, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Croatian travel journalist and nature enthusiast, Anita Palada, introduces us to Gorski Kotar in Croatia. Here, nature photographer Romeo Mance ventures into the Ravna Gora forest to capture the essence of wildlife.
After a grueling, stressful day, Romeo Mance, 40, felt an overwhelming pull towards the forest. Despite the thick fog and the onset of rain making it a bad day for photography, he couldn’t ignore the call of the woods. He eventually decided to follow his intuition and head into the forest.
As he walked deeper into the forest, darkness began to settle in. Romeo found a stump to sit on, hoping to soak in the serenity and maybe even spot some wildlife. The only sounds were his own breath and heartbeat; no animals seemed to be nearby due to the weather. Despite the cold and dampness creeping into his bones, he waited, camera at the ready.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by the howling of wolves, which sent a shiver down his spine. Despite being accustomed to observing wild animals, the situation felt like something from a horror movie—twilight, fog, light rain, and howling wolves. He remained on the stump, thrilled and frozen in awe at this wild encounter. Though he didn’t see the wolves, their presence and howling in the dark made a lasting impression on him.
Romeo is well aware that encounters with wolves or other large carnivores like bears, wild boars, and lynxes are rare. These animals have sharp senses and often avoid humans. Romeo advises that in the event of a bear sighting, it’s crucial to back away calmly and not provoke the bear by throwing objects. Bears stand on their hind legs to get a better view, not as a threat.
As a seasoned nature photographer, Romeo knows the importance of patience and silence. He stresses that taking a good wildlife photo requires understanding the animals’ habits, terrain, and behaviors. It’s not just about having the right equipment but also knowing the landscape and animal behavior.
Romeo often goes into the forest alone, enjoying the freedom to explore and stay as long as he wishes. Each outing is unique and offers unpredictable, fascinating experiences. Recently, he found a hawk owl’s nest in a remote part of the forest after days of strenuous searching and photographing. The joy of finally capturing a good photo made all the hardship worthwhile.
People often ask Romeo why he pursues this difficult passion. For him, it’s a deep love for nature and photography that keeps him going. He believes that to be a successful photo hunter, one must have a genuine passion for nature and respect its laws. He encourages anyone with a love for the outdoors to try photo hunting as the experiences are truly rewarding.
Romeo’s encounters with bears at his father-in-law’s property have become more frequent, with the animals becoming increasingly comfortable around him. However, they remain cautious around strangers, showing how attuned they are to their surroundings. Encounters with lynxes are much rarer due to their smaller population and elusive nature.
Spending time in nature isn’t always easy. The seasons bring challenges like heat, mosquitoes, snow, and cold. Yet, the physical and mental effort required for photo hunting is part of what makes it rewarding. Romeo emphasizes that a true appreciation and love for nature are essential for anyone looking to excel in this field.
Romeo’s passion and expertise in photo hunting highlight the profound connection one can have with nature. If you’re inspired by his story and want to explore Gorski Kotar’s wildlife, consider starting with Romeo’s observatory in Ravna Gora. The experiences and emotions derived from being in nature are immeasurable, a sentiment Romeo wholeheartedly supports.
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