Sirtsi Nature Reserve is a nature reserve situated in western Estonia, and straddles the border between Lääne-Viru and Ida-Viru County.

Sirtsi Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Sirtsi Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Sirtsi Nature Reserve
LocationEstonia
Nearest cityNarva
Coordinates59°15′58″N 26°48′33″E / 59.26611°N 26.80917°E / 59.26611; 26.80917
Area4,558 ha (11,260 acres)
Established1976

The nature reserve was founded first and foremost to protect brown bears in the area. It is centred on a system of mires and a bog, and the surrounding forests.

Apart from brown bear, the nature reserve also functions as a sanctuary for other large mammals such as Eurasian lynx and gray wolf. In addition, shy animals such as black stork and Siberian flying squirrel live in the reserve.[1]

The former winter road between Central Estonia and Saint Petersburg ran through this area and its course can still be identified.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Protected Natural Objects in Ida-Virumaa" (PDF). Estonian Environmental Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2014.