A case report: Investigation and findings of a fatal bear attack in Slovakia

• Published in: Ursus
• Main Authors: Veronika Rybárová, Ivana Kumičíková, Michaela Šupejová, Martin Janík, Richard Sivulič, L′ubomír Straka
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: International Association for Bear Research and Management 2024
• Subjects: bear mauling; bite wounds; blunt force injuries; large carnivore attack; Ursus arctos
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-23-00010.1

In recent years, Slovakia's brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) population has expanded, accompanied by increased injuries, public fear of bear attacks, and the first bear-related fatality in recent decades. From 2000 to 2015, 54 brown bear attacks on humans were recorded in Slovakia with no fatalities. The authors report on a fatal bear attack from 2021, the first known bear-caused fatality in Slovakia since 1927. The victim was a 58-year-old male found dead with numerous injuries consistent with brown bear attack. The autopsy revealed a diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage and fracture of the cervical spine with contusion and partial spinal cord tear, which ultimately led to death due to central nervous system failure. To avoid potential conflicts between humans and wild animals, wildlife management authorities must develop educational safety programs, and encourage behavioral changes among outdoor recreationists as well as responsible wildlife viewing practices.