In a rare and striking sight, a large brown bear was videotaped swimming across Lake Polyfytos, in Kozani prefecture of northwest Greece. The bear covered a stunning distance of approximately 20 kilometers, traveling from the shores of Kranidia in Servia to Kaisareia, in a swim that lasted nearly two hours.

The large mammal appeared calm throughout the swim, seemingly undisturbed by human presence. Local fisherman Thanasis Gambouras, who witnessed the event, described the moment as both extraordinary and tense. “I’ve never seen a bear swimming in the lake before,” he said, recalling the mix of awe and concern as the bear swam close to his fishing boat, where he had set his nets. Despite his fears, the bear successfully reached the shore and disappeared into the surrounding wilderness.

A video documenting the bear’s swim was shared by Gambouras, who also serves as the vice president of the local fishers’ association. The footage shows the animal’s steady and deliberate movements across the lake, providing a rare glimpse of its strength, stamina, and adaptability.

Wildlife experts note that while bears are strong swimmers, sightings like this are uncommon, highlighting both the bear’s endurance and the rich biodiversity of Kozani. Locals have expressed amazement at the sighting, which has sparked conversations about wildlife in the area and the interactions between humans and nature.