Official history of the bear enclosure
Paca and Tola were two Cantabrian brown bears rescued as cubs in Tineo in 1989 and brought to the Proaza enclosure, where they became a symbol of brown bear conservation in Asturias. Tola died in 2018, Paca on 10 April 2025. Today Molina remains, arriving at the enclosure in 2013.
Start by getting to know themWho they are
The native species of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian range. The first two arrived as orphan cubs; the third, Molina, joined 24 years later.
† 10 April 2025
~1989 – 2025 · ~36 years
Born in the wild, she was orphaned at a few weeks old when a poacher killed her mother in the mountains of Tineo. She was the calm, dominant bear in the enclosure.
She passed away at around 36, a very advanced age for a brown bear in semi-wild life.
† 2018
~1989 – 2018 · 28 years
Paca’s sister, rescued in the same incident in Tineo. She was the shyer, more reserved of the two.
She died in 2018 at 28 — also a high age for the species in semi-wild life.
Alive · in the enclosure
2013 – today · ~13 years
She arrived at the enclosure in December 2013 after being rescued as a cub when she fell down a ravine in the Picos de Europa.
She is the only bear left in the enclosure today and the one you will see if you visit the trail.
Timeline
More than three decades of Asturian bear history, from spring 1989 to today.
Spring 1989
A poacher kills a brown bear in the mountains of Tineo. Three cubs are left orphaned.
Summer 1989
Two of the cubs — Paca and Tola — are rescued. Their youngest sister does not survive.
1990s
Paca and Tola become the symbol of the Cantabrian brown bear conservation campaign.
2003
The enclosure next to Proaza is opened, a facility built for semi-wild life.
December 2013
Rescued as a cub in the Picos de Europa. She adapts well to sharing the space with Paca and Tola.
January 2018
At 28, a very high age for a Cantabrian brown bear.
10 April 2025
At 36. She leaves the enclosure with only one occupant.
Today
She lives alone in the enclosure, visible from the trail-side viewpoint.
Today
Since Paca’s death in April 2025, Molina is the only bear left in the Proaza enclosure. She is an adult female, rescued as a cub, used to human presence from a distance and with natural semi-wild behaviour: long naps in the afternoon, activity at dawn and dusk, and in winter she enters torpor for weeks.
To see her active: first thing in the morning or at the end of the afternoon are best. Around midday she is usually asleep in the shade.
9-11h
Morning · best
13-16h
Asleep
17-19h
Evening · best
Where it is
The enclosure is in the council of Proaza, between Buyera and Tuñón. You reach it on foot or by bike from any point on the trail — it is signposted and has a free lookout accessible year-round.
43.252°N
5.991°W
GPS coordinates
Free
no ticket
Access · all year
Open
dawn → dusk
Opening
20
spaces · Proaza
Parking · + Buyera
Coming from somewhere else? How to get to the trail · Full route map
Who runs the enclosure
The enclosure is run by the Fundación Oso de Asturias (FOA), a non-profit set up in 1992 for the conservation of the Cantabrian brown bear. The same people who rescued Paca, Tola and Molina, and who monitor the species in the wild across the Cordillera.
If you are keen on the story, also visit La Casa del Oso in Proaza — a three-floor visitor centre (historic exhibition, screening room and shop). A 5-minute walk from the enclosure viewpoint.
La Casa del Oso · Proaza centre
How to get there
The easiest way is by bike or on foot from Entrago. If you drive straight in, park in the centre of Proaza or in the area by Buyera.
Free · 365 days
Open access by the trail
What to expect at the viewpoint
Raised viewpoint
Above the enclosure, with a panoramic view.
Distance to the bear
30-100 metres depending on where she is.
Binoculars recommended
FOA does not lend them.
No entry
You cannot access the site or feed the bear.
Quiet at the viewpoint
Shouting makes her nervous and she retreats.
By bike or on foot
The enclosure is 14 km from the trail start in Entrago, roughly halfway. You get there without pedalling uphill and return by transfer from Buyera.
Our bike rentalStraight by car
Park in the centre of Proaza (20 free spaces) or in the area next to Buyera. From either, a few minutes’ walk gets you to the viewpoint.
How to get there · guideFAQ
Short answers to what people ask before visiting the bear enclosure.
Need help?
+34 644 199 430No. Tola died in January 2018 at 28. Paca died on 10 April 2025 at 36. The only bear left in the Proaza enclosure today is Molina, who arrived in December 2013 and is currently in full activity.
In the council of Proaza, right by the Bear Trail (Senda del Oso), between Buyera and Tuñón. You reach it on foot or by bike from the trail, and it has a free viewpoint open all year round.
Nothing. The bear enclosure and its viewpoint are free and open all year, run by FOA (Fundación Oso de Asturias).
First thing in the morning (9:00-11:00) or late afternoon (17:00-19:00). Around midday she is usually asleep in the shade of the enclosure. In winter she enters torpor for weeks and may not be visible.
A poacher killed their mother in the mountains of Tineo in 1989. The two sisters, only a few weeks old, were rescued by FOA. They became the symbol of Cantabrian brown bear conservation for more than three decades.
No. The enclosure is a semi-wild space run by FOA. Only the outer viewpoint is open to visitors. Feeding is not only forbidden — it is harmful for the bear and alters her natural behaviour.
The easy way
The enclosure is right by the Bear Trail, half-way along. If you want to do the full route and see Molina as one more stop, rent a bike with us and head to the lookout without rushing.
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