Strategies for Minimizing Confrontations with Bears
Bears inhabit numerous regions across Europe and the globe, despite the fact that they've been absent from Germany for a considerable period, apart from occasional sightings like that of the infamous "problem bear" Bruno. However, they can frequently be spotted in other European countries, causing a stir among tourists.
For instance, bears frequently confront humans in Italy's Trentino region, which led to a tourist being injured just a few weeks back. The situation has sparked debates in Slovakia and Romania regarding how to manage bears, following several attacks, including one this summer in the Romanian Carpathians that resulted in a female tourist's death.
The Romanian government estimates that around 8,000 bears live in the Carpathians, making it Europe's second-largest population after Russia. Slovakia has around 1,100 to 1,200 bears, while Trentino is home to around 100. Brown bears can also be found in countries like Spain, Croatia, and Bulgaria. The number of brown bears in Sweden, Norway, and Finland is in the thousands.
Tourists often find themselves in potential danger when visiting areas inhabited by bears.
Tobias Knauf-Witzens, Stuttgart Zoo Wilhelma's lead veterinarian, suggests a balanced approach. "You're essentially intruding into their territory," he explains. It's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and adhere to basic behavioral guidelines.
Keep bears at bay with noises
The South Tyrolean Wildlife Management Office advises hiking in groups and making noise to deter bears. If a bear is nearby, it will become aware of the hikers and have time to retreat. The recommendation is to talk, sing, or make other loud sounds regularly. However, the office warns against generating excessive noise, which might irritate the natural habitat.
Caution is advised when hiking near streams, as the sound of running water can drown out the noise of hikers, making it unlikely that the bear will hear them approaching. Dogs should be kept on a leash in bear areas to prevent them from leading hikers to a bear.
"The crucial thing is not to startle the bear," stresses Zoo veterinarian Knauf-Witzens. It's important to make your presence known so the animal can distinguish you early on and avoid being caught off guard.
The expert suspects that the hiker killed in Romania may have triggered the attack due to her sudden appearance. Bears that are unaware of a human's approach might attack if they suddenly find themselves within the bear's attack range.
Bells and bears
The South Tyrolean Wildlife Management Office believes that wearing bells on your backpack or shoes is not suitable for mountainous regions. Bears might associate bells with livestock and potential food. Instead, they recommend the use of special bear bells that emit sounds similar to birds or other natural noises, which bears can better perceive.
Storing food safely
Bears have a keen sense of smell, making it essential to store food securely when camping. Food should not be kept in the tent but rather kept elsewhere, such as hung a few meters away in a tree. This recommendation is especially relevant in North America, where bears might consider humans potential food sources. For instance, there are approximately 30,000 grizzlies in Alaska, around 16,000 in Canada, and only around 1,000 in other US states.
Before embarking on extended tours through bear-populated areas, the expert suggests seeking advice from local guides, as they are best-equipped to provide up-to-date information and advice.
What to do in case of a bear encounter
The preferred situation is to spot a bear from a safe distance, enabling you to simply observe this natural spectacle. Zoo veterinarian Knauf-Witzens suggests maintaining a distance of more than 100 meters from bears native to Europe. Approaching bears should be strictly avoided, as they may perceive humans as potential threats.
Should the bear be on a path that must be crossed, it's best to make noise to alert the bear of your presence. "Making noise will help the bear identify you and move away," explains veterinarian Knauf-Witzens. Generally speaking, humans are not considered predatory by bears.
If the bear approaches closer, avoid making sudden movements or running away. "Fleeing might trigger a response in the bear, prompting it to chase you," the expert explains. Instead, speak calmly and try to appear larger to signal your human presence. While slowly backing away to create distance, avoid making direct eye contact with the bear.
If a bear attacks and you can't escape, according to Knauf-Witzens, the best course of action is to lie down on the ground, protect your neck, and hope for a swift end to the attack.
Despite the potential danger, many tourists still visit bear-inhabited regions for a vacation. After the tragic incident in Romania, discussions on bear management strategies have intensified in several European countries.
