A woman was critically injured in a bear attack on Tuesday in a forested area near Skofljica, just southeast of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The incident, which occurred while she was walking her dog, has prompted local authorities to issue warnings and urge caution as the bear retreated into the dense forest.
Critical Bear Attack Near Ljubljana
On Tuesday, a woman sustained critical injuries after being attacked by a bear at the edge of a forest in Skofljica, approximately six miles southeast of Ljubljana. Following the assault, the bear fled back into the woods. Police have since advised residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid the area. The victim was reportedly walking her dog when the incident occurred.
Rising Bear Population and Cull Controversy
This alarming incident comes just days after Slovenian authorities approved a controversial plan to cull 206 brown bears. The country’s brown bear population has grown to an estimated 1,000, leading to increased encounters with humans and livestock. The government’s decision to reduce the population, which can be carried out until July 1, 2026, in the southern regions, aims to mitigate rising costs from livestock attacks and enhance public safety. Despite strong opposition from animal rights organizations, authorities occasionally authorize culls of bears and wolves to manage their numbers in the nation’s extensive forested areas.
Past Incidents and Public Safety Concerns
Bear attacks on humans, while rare, are not unprecedented in Slovenia. According to the official STA news agency, two bear attacks on people were recorded in 2022. Another incident occurred in April 2023, when a man walking his dog was bitten by a bear in Želimlje, a village not far from Ljubljana. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding human-wildlife coexistence in Slovenia’s protected natural zones.
Key Takeaways
- A woman was critically injured in a bear attack near Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- The incident occurred days after authorities approved a cull of 206 brown bears.
- Slovenia’s bear population is estimated at 1,000, leading to increased human encounters.
- Police have urged residents to be cautious and avoid the area where the attack happened.
- Previous bear attacks on humans have been recorded in Slovenia.
Sources
- Woman in critical condition after bear attack just miles from European capital, The Independent.
- Bear attacks and critically injures woman walking her dog in Slovenia forest, CBS News.
- Bear attack leaves woman in critical condition in Slovenia, ABC News.
- Skofljica bear attack leaves woman critical after horror near Llubljana in Slovenia – World News, The Mirror.
