On October 11, Gorce National Park confirmed bear tracks on its grounds, prompting officials to advise visitors on safety measures.
Bear in Gorce National Park
On 11 October Gorce National Park announced that bears had been detected on its grounds. Staff said that there were mainly track findings, but also reports of people who had seen the predator in the Gorce area. They found tracks in several spots, including Hala Wzorowa and below Turbacz peak. This is unusual because bears typically appear in the Gorce Mountains only sporadically. The last wintering case was recorded in 2021, raising the question of whether this time would be different.
Encounter Guidelines
Bear presence sparks interest among tourists and local residents. To help, Gorce National Park released guidance for unexpected encounters. Visitors are told to remain calm, slowly back away in the opposite direction, and stay on marked trails during daylight. Bears move freely at night, resting during the day.
Do Bears Attack in Poland?
Reports from the Carpathian Brown Bear Project indicate that aggressive bear behaviour in Poland is extremely rare. The most common trigger is startling the animal, especially when it is feeding or resting among shrubs.
Additional Information
More details on bears can be found in an article titled “Consent for the Shooting of Three Bears in the Bieszczady. Environmentalists outraged, GDOŚ states safety concerns”.
