Earlier this week, a brown bear attacked a woman in a forested area of Gradišče in Škofljica, Slovenia. Authorities say the bear “surprised her” while she was walking her dog, but they don’t provide additional details about the attack. The woman survived, but she is in critical condition.
A press release points out that the area is bear territory. These animals live, reproduce, and feed there, authorities say. However, the bear population is a concern in this area. AP News reports that just days before the attack, wildlife authorities approved culling over 200 brown bears.
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Slovenian officials remind residents never to run if they encounter a brown bear. Instead, back away slowly, speak in a calm voice, and try not to make the bear feel threatened.
“Encounters between humans and bears in nature are rare, as bears are cautious animals that generally avoid humans,” the press release says. Clearly, though, encounters do happen, especially when bears get startled.
See authorities’ Facebook post about the bear attack on a woman walking her dog here:
Header stock image by Ruzdi Ekenheim / 500px/Getty Images
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