Wildlife Expert Advises Against Climbing Trees During Bear Encounters, Recommends Spray as Most Effective Defense

A Slovak wildlife expert has issued guidance on bear safety, emphasizing that bears typically try to avoid human contact and advising against climbing trees during encounters. The expert identified bear spray as the most effective method for deterring potential attacks. This year has seen fewer signs of bear activity compared to previous periods, according to wildlife observations. Slovakia is home to one of Europe's largest brown bear populations, with the animals primarily inhabiting the mountainous regions of the country, particularly in the Carpathians where encounters with hikers and rural communities occasionally occur.