Slovak media report a dangerous incident this week on the northern outskirts of the country, where a 28‑year‑old man was attacked by a bear.
Bear Attack in Slovakia
On Thursday evening around 18:30, a man walking his dog was attacked near the village of Hybie, 150 meters from a sports complex and about 100 meters from the last inhabited house, according to forest ranger Ján Pivko in an interview with Noviny.sk. The bear bit the 28‑year‑old man on the back, inflicting a deep wound. Fortunately, the animal did not continue its attack. First aid was provided by football players training on the field. The victim was taken to the hospital, where his injuries were deemed non‑life‑threatening, and he was released home.
Threat from Bears
A few weeks ago, mushroom pickers had a conflict with the same bear. There are at least several bears living near the village, including a female with young. In October, a tragic incident occurred when a bear attacked a mushroom picker, who later died from the injuries. The local hunting association has permission to shoot up to seven bears if necessary, but this has not yet been exercised.
How to Act When Encountering a Bear?
Experts advise staying calm and quiet when you encounter a bear. “Do not run so the bear does not treat you as prey. Also, do not climb a tree; the bear can do that much better,” the brochure—prepared with the Regional Forest Management of Częstochowa, the Environment and Agriculture Department of PUW, and the Provincial Veterinary Inspectorate—states. “If you stare the bear in the eye, gently loosen the cinch of your backpack so you can drop it if it is interested. Avoid sudden movements and control its behavior (don’t stare directly at it).” If the bear does not lose interest, lie flat on the ground, bend your legs, and protect your neck and face with your hands. “In most cases the bear will leave you alone; at worst, it may scratch,” the experts add.
