A 58-year-old woman was fatally attacked by a bear on Thursday in Płonna, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, while foraging for deer antlers with her son.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 23rd, in the village of Płonna, Subcarpathian Voivodeship. A 58-year-old woman and her 27-year-old son were collecting deer antlers in the forest around 8:00 AM.
The pair became separated, and the son received a frantic call from his mother, screaming “bear” before the connection was cut. He found her unconscious shortly before 10:40 AM and immediately alerted emergency services.
Medical Response and Investigation
Due to the extent of her head injuries, resuscitation attempts were abandoned, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sanok District Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident.
Criminal Charges
The investigation is being conducted under Article 155 of the Penal Code, concerning unintentional manslaughter, which carries a penalty of 3 months to 5 years imprisonment.
Autopsy Scheduled
An autopsy of the 58-year-old woman is scheduled for Monday, April 27th, in Przemyśl. A forensic pathologist will attempt to determine the mechanism of death based on the injuries sustained.
Nature of Injuries
The woman suffered severe head trauma. According to prosecutor Izabela Jurkowska-Hanus, the injuries were characterized as “drastic,” including severe skull injuries, lacerations, and partial scalp avulsion.
Support and Further Inquiry
The victim’s family is receiving psychological support. Her son will be questioned in the coming days.
Bear Habitat and Conditions
The Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Rzeszów stated the attack occurred approximately 1.5 km into the forest, about 2.5 km from Płonna – an area rarely visited by people. This is a known area of bear habitation.
Authorities noted that windy conditions on the day of the incident may have impaired the bear’s sense of smell and hearing, potentially leading to a surprise encounter.
Public Warning
The Bukowsko Municipality has issued an urgent appeal to residents and visitors to avoid entering nearby forest areas and refrain from traveling to the scene of the incident.