Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern your access to and use of the Avanti The Bear Den website, booking request process, inquiry forms, communications, reservations, and stay-related services.

By using our website, submitting an inquiry, requesting a booking, making a payment, confirming a reservation, visiting the property, or participating in any Avanti The Bear Den experience, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Please read them carefully.

1. About Avanti The Bear Den

Avanti The Bear Den is a private wildlife sanctuary cabin experience located in Crown Point, Indiana. The property includes one private cabin and resident animals, including Avanti the black bear, Bonnie and Clyde the mute swans, and Ethel the elk.

Avanti The Bear Den is not a zoo, resort, theme park, petting farm, public attraction, or performance venue. It is a private cabin stay on sanctuary grounds, with animal observation and limited approved animal interaction subject to safety rules, animal welfare requirements, weather, seasonality, staff guidance, and property conditions.

2. Website Use

You may use the website for lawful personal purposes, including learning about Avanti The Bear Den, submitting an inquiry, requesting dates, reviewing guest information, and communicating with us.

You agree not to:

• Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent, abusive, or harmful purposes
• Attempt to interfere with website security or functionality
• Submit false, misleading, or incomplete information
• Use automated scraping, crawling, data harvesting, or similar tools without permission
• Copy, reproduce, or misuse website content, images, design, branding, or written materials
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Submit malicious code, spam, or unauthorized advertising
• Use the website in a way that harms Avanti The Bear Den, guests, staff, animals, or property operations

We may restrict access to the website or refuse service if we believe these Terms have been violated.

3. Booking Requests and Reservations

Submitting a booking request or inquiry does not guarantee availability or create a confirmed reservation.

A reservation is confirmed only when:

• We approve the requested dates
• Required guest information is provided
• Required payment or deposit is received
• Any required booking confirmation is issued
• Any required agreements, waivers, policies, or instructions are accepted

Because Avanti The Bear Den has one private cabin and hosts one guest group at a time, availability is limited. Dates are not held unless confirmed by us.

We reserve the right to accept, decline, cancel, or modify booking requests at our discretion, including for safety, operational, animal welfare, weather, property maintenance, payment, occupancy, policy, or legal reasons.

4. Direct Booking Only

Avanti The Bear Den may accept direct bookings through our website, inquiry process, booking calendar, or direct communication channels.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, third-party platforms, unauthorized resellers, or unofficial listings are not authorized to confirm reservations on our behalf.

Guests are responsible for ensuring they are communicating with official Avanti The Bear Den channels before sending payments or personal information.

5. Deposits, Payments, and Fees

A deposit may be required to reserve a stay. The website may state that a one-night deposit is required in advance. The final deposit amount, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, and any remaining balance will be provided during the booking process.

You agree to pay all amounts associated with your reservation, including deposits, nightly rates, taxes, cleaning fees if applicable, damage charges if applicable, extra service charges if applicable, and any other fees clearly disclosed before or during booking.

Unless otherwise stated in writing:

• Deposits are applied toward the total cost of the stay
• Reservations are not confirmed until required payment is received
• Payment failures may result in cancellation
• Chargebacks or disputed payments may result in cancellation, refusal of future service, or collection of amounts owed

We reserve the right to correct pricing errors before confirming a reservation.

6. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation terms will be provided at the time of booking. The website may state that cancellations with at least 24 hours' notice receive a full refund.

Unless a different written cancellation policy is provided in your booking confirmation:

• Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled check-in time may be eligible for a full refund of eligible payments
• Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may be non-refundable
• No-shows may be non-refundable
• Early departures may be non-refundable
• Refunds may exclude third-party processing fees where permitted by law
• Refund timing may depend on the payment processor or financial institution

If your booking confirmation includes different cancellation, refund, weather, or rescheduling terms, the booking confirmation controls.

7. Changes, Rescheduling, and Property-Initiated Cancellations

Change and rescheduling requests are subject to availability and approval.

We may cancel, reschedule, relocate, limit, or modify a stay or experience due to:

• Severe weather
• Unsafe property conditions
• Animal health or welfare needs
• Staffing or handler availability
• Emergency maintenance
• Utility outage
• Government order
• Licensing, insurance, or regulatory issue
• Safety concern
• Guest rule violation
• Misrepresentation or incomplete booking information
• Any condition that makes the stay unsafe, unavailable, or impractical

If we cancel a confirmed reservation for reasons unrelated to guest conduct, we will provide either a refund of eligible amounts paid or an opportunity to reschedule, as determined by the circumstances and applicable law.

We are not responsible for guest travel costs, missed flights, lost wages, third-party lodging, transportation costs, or other indirect expenses unless required by law.

8. Occupancy Limits

The cabin occupancy limit is the maximum number of guests approved for your reservation. The website may describe the cabin as accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults, but the exact occupancy limit must be confirmed at booking.

Only registered and approved guests may enter or stay on the property unless we give written permission.

Unauthorized visitors, parties, events, gatherings, commercial activity, or additional guests are not allowed.

Violation of occupancy limits may result in cancellation, removal from the property, forfeiture of payments, additional charges, or refusal of future service.

9. Check-In and Checkout

Check-in and checkout times will be provided during the booking process or in your reservation confirmation.

You agree to arrive and depart according to the confirmed schedule unless a different time is approved in advance.

Late arrivals, early arrivals, or late checkouts may not be available and may be subject to additional fees or denial of access.

Because the property is private and includes resident animals, arrival instructions, parking areas, restricted areas, and access procedures must be followed exactly.

10. Private Property and Exact Address

Avanti The Bear Den is located in Crown Point, Indiana. The exact property address, directions, access instructions, and arrival details may be provided only to confirmed guests or as otherwise determined by us.

You agree not to publicly post, publish, share, or distribute the exact private address, access instructions, gate codes, restricted area information, safety procedures, or other non-public property details.

This restriction protects guests, staff, animals, neighbors, and the property.

11. Wildlife Sanctuary Experience

The property is a working private wildlife sanctuary environment. Resident animals and wild animals may be present on or near the grounds.

You understand and agree that:

• Animal visibility is not guaranteed
• Animal behavior is not fully predictable
• Weather, season, animal health, hibernation, welfare needs, and staff guidance may affect what guests see or do
• Avanti the black bear may hibernate approximately December through February
• Bonnie and Clyde the mute swans and Ethel the elk may be present year-round, but sightings and interactions are not guaranteed
• Wild animals such as deer, turkeys, coyotes, insects, birds, and other wildlife may be present
• Some animals are resident animals, while others are wild and unmanaged
• The property is outdoors and may include uneven ground, weather exposure, insects, mud, natural debris, and other woodland conditions

The experience is based on observing animals respectfully, not forcing animals to perform, pose, approach, or interact.

12. Animal Interaction Rules

All animal-related instructions must be followed at all times.

You agree that you and everyone in your group will:

• Follow staff and handler instructions immediately
• Stay in approved guest areas
• Respect fences, barriers, signs, gates, and restricted areas
• Never enter animal enclosures
• Never cross barriers
• Never approach Avanti the bear
• Never approach Ethel the elk unless expressly instructed
• Feed only animals approved for feeding
• Use only approved food provided or approved by staff
• Never bring outside food for animals
• Never tease, chase, harass, shout at, throw objects at, or attempt to touch animals without permission
• Keep children supervised at all times
• Keep pets away from resident animals and restricted areas
• Report unsafe behavior, damaged barriers, or concerns immediately

Bonnie and Clyde the mute swans may be the only resident animals approved for direct guest feeding, and only under provided guidance.

Violation of animal safety rules may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.

13. Assumption of Risk

By booking, visiting, or staying at Avanti The Bear Den, you understand that the experience involves inherent risks, including risks associated with:

• Wildlife and resident animals
• Outdoor conditions
• Uneven ground
• Weather
• Insects
• Allergens
• Slippery surfaces
• Animal sounds, movement, or behavior
• Natural woodland conditions
• Limited visibility at night
• Restricted areas and barriers
• Travel to and from a rural or semi-rural property
• Pet-related risks, if pets are approved
• Children's outdoor activity
• Personal belongings brought to the property

You voluntarily accept these inherent risks for yourself and for any minors or guests for whom you are legally responsible.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive rights that cannot be waived under applicable law.

14. Safety, Conduct, and Right to Remove Guests

You agree to conduct yourself respectfully and safely.

We may deny entry, end a stay, remove guests, or refuse future bookings if we believe a guest:

• Violates these Terms
• Violates safety rules
• Enters restricted areas
• Disregards staff or handler instructions
• Creates risk to animals, guests, staff, neighbors, or property
• Is intoxicated, impaired, threatening, aggressive, abusive, or disruptive
• Brings unauthorized guests
• Brings unauthorized pets
• Damages property
• Harasses animals
• Attempts unsafe animal contact
• Misrepresents booking information
• Fails to make required payment
• Uses the property for unauthorized commercial purposes
• Violates law or local regulations

Removal for misconduct may result in forfeiture of payments and additional charges for damages, cleaning, legal costs, or other losses.

15. Children and Minors

Children may be allowed as part of an approved reservation, subject to occupancy limits and booking policies.

Parents, guardians, and responsible adults must supervise minors at all times. Children may not wander the property unsupervised, approach animals without permission, enter restricted areas, feed animals without guidance, or violate safety rules.

The adult who books the stay is responsible for all minors in the group.

We reserve the right to require additional safety acknowledgments, age-related restrictions, or adult supervision rules for certain activities.

16. Pets

Pets may be welcome only under the current pet policy confirmed at booking.

You must disclose pets before arrival and receive approval if required. Pet owners are responsible for:

• Keeping pets under control
• Following all pet rules
• Cleaning up after pets
• Preventing pets from approaching resident animals
• Preventing damage, noise, aggression, or nuisance behavior
• Paying for damage, cleaning, or injury caused by pets

Pets may not enter restricted areas or interfere with resident animals, wildlife, staff, other guests, or property operations.

We may refuse or remove pets that are undisclosed, unsafe, disruptive, aggressive, uncontrolled, or not compliant with property rules.

Service animals will be handled in accordance with applicable law, but guests must contact us before booking or arrival so we can discuss safety considerations involving resident animals and sanctuary grounds.

17. Accessibility and Mobility

The property may not be accessible for guests with mobility needs. The cabin and grounds may include outdoor terrain, natural surfaces, uneven ground, restricted areas, steps, slopes, grass, gravel, dirt, mud, weather exposure, and limited lighting.

Guests with mobility, medical, sensory, or accessibility questions should contact us before booking.

We will make reasonable efforts to provide accurate information about the property, but guests are responsible for determining whether the stay is suitable for their needs before reserving.

18. No WiFi and Limited Services

The cabin may not include WiFi. Cellular service, internet availability, utility access, and other services may vary.

The cabin may include basic amenities such as a kitchenette, private bathroom, microwave, mini refrigerator, heating, air conditioning, porch seating, and other items described in booking materials. Available amenities may change due to maintenance, replacement, weather, utility conditions, or operational needs.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, meals, groceries, transportation, personal toiletries, medications, outdoor clothing, footwear, bug spray, and personal supplies are the responsibility of the guest.

19. Weather and Outdoor Conditions

Avanti The Bear Den is an outdoor and cabin-based experience. Weather may affect animal visibility, outdoor access, feeding timing, guest comfort, and property conditions.

Rain, heat, cold, insects, mud, snow, wind, or seasonal changes do not automatically entitle guests to refunds.

We may adjust, delay, limit, reschedule, or cancel certain outdoor or animal-related portions of the experience if weather or property conditions create safety, access, animal welfare, or operational concerns.

Guests are responsible for bringing weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, and personal supplies.

20. Animal Sightings Are Not Guaranteed

Resident animals live on the property, but sightings, behavior, proximity, activity level, and visibility are never guaranteed.

Avanti the black bear may not be visible during hibernation or due to weather, health, timing, animal welfare, or operational reasons.

Swans, elk, and wild animals may move, rest, hide, graze, or behave naturally. No animal is required to perform, approach, pose, or interact for guest convenience.

No refund is guaranteed solely because an animal is not visible, active, close, or available at a desired time.

21. Photography, Video, Drones, and Media

Personal photography and video may be allowed, subject to property rules, privacy rules, safety rules, and animal welfare requirements.

You agree not to:

• Enter restricted areas for photos or video
• Cross fences, barriers, gates, or signs
• Harass animals for content
• Use flash or equipment in a way that disturbs animals or staff
• Film staff, handlers, other guests, private areas, or neighboring property without permission
• Publish exact private address details or access instructions
• Use photos or videos in a misleading, defamatory, unsafe, or unlawful way

Commercial photography, professional shoots, influencer campaigns, press visits, media coverage, drone use, filming projects, and brand partnerships require advance written permission.

Drone use is prohibited unless we provide written permission and all legal, safety, insurance, animal welfare, and property conditions are satisfied.

22. Reviews, Testimonials, and Guest Content

If you submit a review, testimonial, photo, video, or other content to us, tag us publicly, or give us permission to use your content, you grant Avanti The Bear Den permission to use, reproduce, edit, display, publish, and share that content for marketing, website, social media, business, and promotional purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

You represent that any content you submit is truthful, lawful, and does not infringe another person's rights.

We may remove, decline, or stop using guest content at our discretion.

23. Damage, Cleaning, and Guest Responsibility

Guests are responsible for treating the cabin, grounds, animals, staff, neighbors, equipment, furnishings, and property with care.

You may be charged for:

• Property damage
• Excessive cleaning
• Missing items
• Unauthorized guests
• Unauthorized pets
• Rule violations
• Smoke, odor, or contamination
• Damage caused by pets or children
• Damage to barriers, signs, gates, equipment, cabin contents, grounds, or fixtures
• Costs associated with unsafe conduct or emergency response
• Any losses caused by violation of these Terms

We may document damage with photos, video, reports, invoices, estimates, or third-party assessments.

24. Prohibited Activities

The following are prohibited unless expressly approved in writing:

• Parties or events
• Unauthorized guests
• Commercial photography or filming
• Drones
• Fireworks
• Firearms or weapons, except as permitted by law and disclosed where required
• Illegal drugs
• Smoking or vaping inside the cabin
• Open flames or fires outside approved areas
• Feeding animals unauthorized food
• Entering restricted areas
• Harassing animals
• Loud noise or disruptive behavior
• Public posting of the private address or access instructions
• Camping outside the cabin
• Moving furniture or equipment without permission
• Tampering with fences, signs, cameras, locks, gates, utilities, or safety equipment
• Any illegal activity

Violation may result in immediate removal without refund and additional charges.

25. Health, Medical, and Personal Needs

Guests are responsible for their own health, medical needs, medications, allergies, mobility concerns, dietary needs, clothing, footwear, and personal supplies.

Avanti The Bear Den does not provide medical advice, medical care, childcare, eldercare, mobility assistance, or personal attendant services.

If you have allergies, phobias, medical conditions, mobility limitations, sensory concerns, or other issues that may affect your stay, contact us before booking.

In an emergency, guests should call 911 or local emergency services.

26. Communications Consent

By submitting an inquiry, booking request, or reservation, you authorize us to contact you using the information you provide, including by email, phone, text message, or similar channels.

Communications may include:

• Inquiry responses
• Availability updates
• Reservation confirmations
• Payment or deposit reminders
• Check-in and checkout instructions
• Safety instructions
• Weather or schedule updates
• Cancellation or rescheduling notices
• Customer service messages

If you opt in to text messages, message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of non-essential texts by replying STOP.

You agree to provide accurate contact information and notify us if it changes.

27. Intellectual Property

All website content, branding, names, logos, designs, copy, images, graphics, layouts, videos, and other materials are owned by or licensed to Avanti The Bear Den unless otherwise stated.

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, exploit, or use our content for commercial purposes without written permission.

You may share website links for personal, non-commercial purposes, provided the sharing is not misleading, unlawful, or harmful.

28. Website Accuracy

We try to keep website information accurate and current, but website content may contain errors, placeholders, outdated information, or changes.

Amenities, policies, pricing, availability, animal visibility, seasonal details, photos, descriptions, and booking terms may change.

Final reservation terms, confirmed rates, cancellation rules, and stay details are provided through the booking process or direct written confirmation.

If there is a conflict between general website content and your written booking confirmation, the written booking confirmation controls unless otherwise required by law.

29. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party tools for hosting, booking, payments, communications, maps, analytics, forms, email, SMS, or customer management.

We are not responsible for third-party platform outages, errors, security practices, privacy policies, fees, processing delays, or terms.

Your use of third-party services may be subject to their own terms and privacy policies.

30. Disclaimer of Warranties

The website, booking process, property information, and stay experience are provided on an "as available" and "as is" basis, except as expressly stated in a confirmed reservation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, availability, uninterrupted access, error-free operation, or guaranteed animal sightings.

Nothing in these Terms limits rights that cannot be limited under applicable law.

31. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Avanti The Bear Den and its owners, operators, staff, contractors, agents, service providers, and representatives will not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages, including lost profits, lost travel costs, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, missed events, third-party booking costs, or similar damages.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim related to the website, booking, reservation, or stay will not exceed the amount you paid directly to Avanti The Bear Den for the specific reservation giving rise to the claim.

This limitation does not apply where prohibited by law.

32. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Avanti The Bear Den and its owners, operators, staff, contractors, agents, service providers, and representatives from claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, arising out of or related to:

• Your use of the website
• Your booking or stay
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of property rules or safety instructions
• Your conduct or the conduct of your guests, children, pets, or invitees
• Property damage
• Injury caused by your actions or omissions
• Unauthorized photos, videos, posts, or commercial use
• Misrepresentation of booking information
• Violation of law or third-party rights

33. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays, cancellations, interruptions, or failure to perform caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, utility failures, power outages, internet outages, animal health concerns, disease outbreaks, government orders, labor disruptions, supplier issues, emergencies, acts of God, fire, flood, road closures, accidents, or other events beyond our control.

34. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any dispute arising out of or related to the website, booking, reservation, property, or stay will be handled in the state or federal courts located in Indiana, unless another dispute process is required by applicable law or agreed in writing.

35. Dispute Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us first and make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue informally.

Please send dispute notices to:

Avanti The Bear Den

Email: [INSERT EMAIL]

Mailing Address: [INSERT MAILING ADDRESS OR BUSINESS ADDRESS]

This section does not prevent either party from seeking emergency legal relief where appropriate.

36. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Updated Terms will be posted on the website with a revised "Last Updated" date.

The Terms in effect at the time of your confirmed reservation will generally apply to that reservation, unless a legal change, safety requirement, animal welfare requirement, or mutually agreed update requires otherwise.

Your continued use of the website after updated Terms are posted means you accept the updated Terms.

37. Severability

If any part of these Terms is found invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining sections will continue in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

38. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, booking confirmation, house rules, safety instructions, payment terms, cancellation policy, and any signed agreements or waivers, form the agreement between you and Avanti The Bear Den regarding your website use, booking, reservation, and stay.

39. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

Avanti The Bear Den

Crown Point, Indiana

Email: [INSERT EMAIL]

Phone: [INSERT PHONE NUMBER]

Mailing Address: [INSERT MAILING ADDRESS OR BUSINESS ADDRESS]

Website: [FINAL WEBSITE URL]