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How to Protect Yourself from Bear Attacks in Europe
In the past, there have been dangerous encounters between bears and humans in some countries. In April and May 2025, the Department of State updated its safety advisories for Slovenia and Romania after deadly attacks. What hiking enthusiasts need to watch out for and what they should keep in mind.
The brown bear is increasingly spreading in Europe, leading to more sightings in popular tourist destinations. Although these furry animals are generally shy, in some cases, dangerous or even fatal encounters can occur.
Where Brown Bears in Europe Encounter Humans
According to the Department of State, there is a large, free-roaming bear population in the Romanian Carpathians. A study commissioned by Romania's Ministry of Environment estimates a nationwide bear population of 10,419 to 12,770, more than double what was initially thought.
In search of food, the animals also approach populated areas and roads like the Transfăgărăşan highway. The Department reports several severe, and in some cases, fatal attacks on hikers and passersby, and thus updated its safety advisories for Romania in April 2025.
Travelers should stay away from bears and not feed them. It is also recommended to heed warning signs and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The Department of State also explicitly points out a large, free-roaming bear population in Slovenia. Brown bears might enter populated areas in search of food. In 2025, there have already been attacks on people in the suburbs of Ljubljana. In late May, a woman was attacked and critically injured by a bear in a forest area outside the Slovenian capital.
In Slovakia, there were two bear attacks in March 2024 in the tourist town of Liptovsky Mikulas. The result: five people with bite and scratch wounds and a hiker who fell down a slope while fleeing from a bear. The town declared a state of emergency as a result.
In Italy, in the province of Trentino, a jogger was killed by a bear in 2023. About 100 wild brown bears live in the area around Lake Garda, but there have also been occasional sightings in the neighboring province of South Tyrol as well as in the Allgäu and Upper Bavaria. The Department of State therefore provides tips for traveling in Trentino on how to behave when hiking in forests, especially in remote areas. Warning signs and advisories should also be heeded there.
In Northwestern Greece, two hikers were attacked by a bear in June 2025 - one man died from a fall resulting from the attack. The attack was reportedly triggered by the hikers' dog.
Generally, brown bears fear humans and keep their distance. They have quite good hearing and a sense of smell, so they change direction as soon as they notice a human. As a result, encounters are unlikely. However, encounters are increasing because the bear population is growing.
According to a study published in the journal 'Nature', the number of attacks worldwide rose from under 20 in 2000 to more than 60 in 2015. No newer figures are available.
Encountering a Bear in the Woods: What Should I Do?
Only on bear safaris, for example in Sweden, Finland, Romania, Greece, or Spain, can bear observations be safely made with a guide and inside odor-proof huts.
But it's better to be safe than sorry: Anyone fearing a bear encounter while hiking in forests and mountains should remember the behavioral guidelines from Trentino and South Tyrol.
- To avoid an encounter: Sing, clap, or whistle while hiking to make yourself noticeable. A bell on your shoelace or a metal can rattling on your backpack can keep bears away. Stay on marked trails during your hike. Keep away from bear dens and don't leave food scraps in the forest.
- The most important thing in a bear encounter: Stay calm. Do not approach the bear, do not take photos. Bears only attack if they feel surprised or provoked. Female bears with cubs are especially protective. Give the animal a way to escape.
- If the bear hasn't noticed you: Slowly walk back the way you came. Don't make sudden movements - don't run, don't scream. Speak softly so the animal can hear you and hopefully retreat. If a bear stands up, it's usually not an attack. It just wants to determine the source of the noise and figure out what's causing it, as bears have poor eyesight. It's an attempt to control the situation.
- If a bear attacks you: Stay calm, lie down slowly on the ground face down. Interlock your fingers at the back of your neck and protect your head with your arms. Playing dead gives the bear the impression you're not a threat. The bear is likely performing a bluff charge and will initially stay nearby but soon move on. A backpack can provide additional protection. Throw it in front of you to distract the bear.
- Only if you are truly only a few meters from your car or another safe place should you quickly run there. But remember: Bears can run up to 30 miles per hour and are excellent climbers. Climbing a tree or running away at full speed is not an option.
- Pepper spray can also help since the smell is unpleasant for a bear's sensitive nose.
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