In the forests near the municipality of Šútovo, nestled at the foot of the Malá Fatra mountain range in Slovakia, an evening bike ride turned into a nightmare for a 34-year-old cyclist.
While biking on a forest path on Wednesday evening, the cyclist was confronted by a female brown bear with her three cubs.
Presumably feeling threatened by the man's presence, the bear attacked the cyclist, resulting in injuries to his upper and lower extremities.
He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to Kurier, a woman accompanying the man stated that the bear was a female with three cubs, suggesting she may have been trying to protect her offspring.
A bear task force from the state nature conservation authority was alerted and began searching for the bear, but they lost its trail.
Slovakia is home to an estimated 1,300 brown bears, which typically inhabit mountains and dense forests.
Between the beginning of the year and mid-July, 41 brown bears have been allowed to be shot due to their loss of fear of humans or becoming a threat to lives, health, and property.
Experts advise that if you encounter a brown bear unintentionally, you should stand still and slowly retreat. It is important not to wave your arms, throw stones, shout loudly, or take a selfie.
