Bear attacks during search for missing man
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
20.10.2014 11:28
The search for a missing 61-year-old man was suspended on Sunday evening after a bear attacked members of a rescue team in the Bieszczady Mountains of south east Poland.
Photo: wikipedia
According to the Bieszczady branch of Poland's Mountain Rescue Voluntary Service (GOPR), the incident marks the first such bear attack in the region in 50 years.
Two members of GOPR were searching the territory near the village of Olszanica on a quad when the bear struck.
The two men managed to flee unharmed, but when they returned to the vehicle, traces of blood indicated that the bear was injured.
GOPR has stated that the animal could be highly dangerous if wounded, and accordingly, no access to the area is allowed until the bear has been tracked down.
“It's immense luck that nothing happened to our rescuers, as they came very close,” GOPR spokesman Krzysztof Szczurek told Polish Radio.
The bear will regrettably have to be put to sleep, GOPR has concluded.
The 60-year-old man went missing on Saturday, and it is hoped that the search will be renewed later on Monday. (nh)