A tragic incident involving a Belarusian woman in Slovakia’s Low Tatras mountains raises concerns over wildlife management and human safety amidst a debate on bear population control.
A woman from Belarus, aged 31, tragically lost her life in Slovakia’s Low Tatras mountains after being chased by a brown bear. The incident occurred in the dense forests of Demänovská Valley, where the woman and her male companion encountered the bear and subsequently fled in different directions. The Slovak Mountain Rescue Service discovered the woman’s body with the aid of a search dog, finding the bear still close by. Responders had to fire multiple gunshots to scare the bear away from the area.
The exact cause of the woman’s death remains undetermined, with investigations ongoing to ascertain whether she died from a fall or directly from the bear attack. This recent tragedy has reignited discussions around wildlife management in Slovakia, especially concerning the brown bear population, which is estimated to be around 1,275. The debate focuses on whether selective culling should be considered, despite objections from environmental organizations like the WWF and the Slovak Wildlife Society. These groups argue against reducing the bear population, highlighting the importance of conservation.
This occurrence is part of a broader context of increased bear attacks in Slovakia, leading to calls for reassessment of the bears’ protected status and the implementation of measures to ensure human safety while respecting wildlife conservation principles.