After a bear approached farmers in Morochów, a biologist warned against panic, distinguishing between simulated attacks and predatory behavior following recent tragic encounters in the Podkarpacie region.
Encounter in Morochów
Marcin Możdżonek, President of the Supreme Hunting Council, reported that an aggressive male bear approached farmers building a fence in Morochów. The men managed to escape into a vehicle without injury. Local police confirmed the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 5, involving two men working on a pasture.
Regional Tension and Calls for Action
The situation in Podkarpacie remains tense following the April 23 death of a 58-year-old woman near Płonna, who was fatally attacked by a bear while searching for antlers. In response, the Mayor of Bukowsko, Marek Bańkowski, has requested the elimination of a “dangerous individual,” noting the Morochów encounter occurred only 10 km from the tragedy.
Expert Analysis on Bear Behavior
Biologist Dr. Wojciech Śmietana described the Morochów incident as a “simulated attack” rather than physical contact, warning that running can provoke a chase. He noted that searching for the specific bear from the Płonna tragedy is a “wild goose chase” and clarified that while some bears near Solina and Cisna are less skittish, most Bieszczady encounters are defensive reactions to being surprised.
Forest Safety Guidelines
To prevent encounters, experts recommend signaling presence with noise and avoiding dense undergrowth or walking alone. It is also advised to stay on marked forest paths and carry bear-specific pepper spray, particularly during wind or rain when a bear might not hear an approaching person.