Mayor Issues Warning After Bear Attacks Family in Slovakia

In a concerning incident in the picturesque Lupcianska Valley of Slovakia, a family was attacked by a bear while enjoying a walk in the woods. The encounter occurred on a hunting trail near the village of Partizánska Lupca, where the family, consisting of a father, mother, and their two young children, was out for a stroll.

The bear, weighing approximately 80 kilograms, emerged suddenly from the underbrush and charged at the family. Fortunately, the minor children were not injured during the attack, as the parents shielded them with their bodies. The mother sustained minor injuries as she attempted to protect her children from the bear's aggression. After a brief confrontation, the bear retreated into the forest.

Following the incident, the mayor of the region, Ladislav Balázec, convened a crisis intervention team to address the situation. They quickly searched the area and discovered a bear den equipped with cameras to monitor the animal's movements. Mayor Balázec issued a strong warning to residents and visitors, urging them to avoid the area where the attack took place. He emphasized the dangers of hiking on narrow mountain trails, particularly for those with small children.

Since the attack, there have been no sightings of the bear, and the installed camera traps have not captured any activity. This incident adds to growing concerns about human-wildlife interactions in the area, where an estimated 1,300 brown bears reside in the wild. As these bears lose their natural fear of humans, encounters and attacks are becoming more frequent. In October 2024, a bear tragically killed a 63-year-old mushroom picker, and earlier this year, a 53-year-old amateur photographer was seriously injured in a separate bear attack.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, reminding the public to exercise caution in bear-populated areas. The local government is committed to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike, highlighting the importance of understanding wildlife behaviors and respecting their habitats.