The Marsican brown bear, a subspecies endemic to the region, whose core is found mainly in the narrow confines of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and its surroundings, is undoubtedly the most charismatic and famous inhabitant of the forests of the Central Apennines.
There is no route in nature that can guarantee a bear encounter. However, joining a guided tour will increase your chances of seeing one. Bears normally hibernate during the winter season. April to September is the best time to see them: in the spring they'll move downstream in search of sprouts and ants. July and August is when they find fruit and food at high altitudes, it can be easier than other times to see bears, take photos and enjoy the silence of the sunset.