Mild winter in Antalya keeps bears awake and tourists on beaches

Antalya’s unseasonably warm winter has disrupted the natural habits of brown bears at the Antalya Natural Life Park.

The park’s seven-member bear family is staying awake instead of hibernating during the mild winter in Antalya, drawing significant attention from visitors.

Visitors drawn to Natural Life Park during mild winter in Antalya

The park is located in Kepez district and attracts both local and international visitors all year long.

• The park covers 650 acres of forest
• It is home to approximately 1,400 animals representing 127 species

Aygul Arsun, the park’s director, explained the impact of the warm climate on the bears.

Bears typically hibernate during winter, but Antalya’s mild weather keeps them awake. We don’t see typical hibernation here. Instead, they appear sluggish and spend their days lounging in the winter sun. Their relaxed behavior has caught the interest of visitors.

The bears—named Teddy, Bobo, Tembel, Kucuk Ayi, Gozluklu, Maya and Buyukbaba—enjoy the cooler months by sunbathing, rolling on the ground, and eating while lying down.

In warmer weather, they often engage in playful wrestling near their pool. Visitors have been fascinated by their unique routines, which differ from typical bear behavior during this season.

How mild winter in Antalya affects bear behavior

Park officials describe the bears’ behavior as “winter laziness” rather than true hibernation. Arsun noted, “They’ve adapted to the mild winter and exhibit slower movements. Their caretakers call them by name, and the bears respond, showcasing their bond with the staff.”

Antalya’s warm winter isn’t just influencing wildlife. Over the weekend, Antalya’s beaches, including Konyaalti, Sarisu, and Lara, were crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the sunny weather. Temperatures reached 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius), with a sea temperature of 68°F and a humidity level of 42%. Many visitors swam, sunbathed, or participated in water sports like paddleboarding and parasailing.

Antalya’s January weather: Warm and inviting

According to the Meteorological General Directorate, Antalya’s weather remains mild and pleasant in January.

Here is a breakdown of recent temperatures and conditions across the city:

• Antalya city center: 72°F
• Aksu: 73°F
• Konyaalti: 72°F
• Muratpasa: 72°F
• Alanya: 70°F
• Finike: 70°F
• Kemer: 70°F
• Serik: 70°F

These consistent temperatures, coupled with low humidity, make Antalya a prime destination for winter tourists seeking warm weather and outdoor activities.

Visitors drawn to Natural Life Park during mild winter in Antalya

The Antalya Natural Life Park continues to attract crowds eager to see the bears’ unusual winter behavior. The combination of mild winter in Antalya and the bears’ playful antics provides a memorable experience for visitors.

The bears are likely to continue their unique routines as temperatures remain warm, offering a rare opportunity to observe how wildlife adapts to changing climates.