Over the next three to four months, bears may be more active than usual because the bear mating season has begun. Experts are therefore warning people to be extra cautious in nature.
The most important advice is not to go into the forest alone, make your presence known with loud sounds, and move only along marked hiking trails.
You’re walking and suddenly spot a bear. Experts say distance plays a crucial role at that moment. “When it’s far away, for example more than 50 meters, the bear usually already knows about me. It just notices me and runs away. It doesn’t see very well, so it’s good to talk to it. Two days ago I just whistled, the bear noticed me and ran away,” explained zoologist and large carnivore expert Jerguš Tesák.
A worse situation occurs during a close encounter in unclear terrain. According to experts, it is important not to panic.
“I recommend bear spray. Simply take it out, unlock it, and possibly back away from the area to avoid the bear,” said the head of the central intervention team, Tomáš Kučera. The most serious situation occurs during an attack. In that case, the most important thing is to get into a safe position as quickly as possible. This is what a runner recently did when he encountered a bear in the forest.
“Lie face down on the ground, put your fingers together, and spread your legs slightly. Because your elbows and legs are wide apart, the bear can’t turn you over or scratch or bite your face,” explained Tomáš Kučera.
Bears naturally try to avoid humans. Experts emphasize that if preventive measures are followed, the risk of attack is low. “I recommend always going in groups of at least two or three and making some noise so the animal has time to notice that we are approaching,” said Jerguš Tesák.
“Do not go early in the morning, at dawn, or at dusk, when wildlife, including bears, is much more active,” added Tomáš Kučera. This mating season, when bears are especially active, will last approximately three to four months.
Source: STVR
