June 8, 2025, 1:00 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Brown bears roam freely in the wild in several European countries. Occasionally, they attack people–as recently happened in Slovenia. As a result, the ministry is raising awareness among tourists. How should one behave, for instance, when hiking and encountering a bear?

In search of food, brown bears may also be found in inhabited areas and towns. In recent years, there have been occasional attacks on passersby and hikers, even in the suburbs of Ljubljana, according to the updated travel advisories from the ministry.

Last week, a woman was attacked and critically injured by a bear in a forested area outside the Slovenian capital. 

According to the Slovenian Tourist Board, brown bears are particularly common in the forests of Notranjska and Kočevsko in the south of the country. Guided bear-watching tours are offered there by organizers.

Where in Europe do bears still live?

Brown bear populations exist in several European countries. After Russia, the Romanian Carpathians host the continent’s second-largest population, and Slovakia also has a significant number of brown bears. In the wild, they can still be found in places such as Trentino in northern Italy, as well as in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

Encountering a bear – what to do?

According to experts, the most important thing during a bear encounter is to stay calm. Bears are naturally cautious and tend to avoid humans, according to the State Office for the Environment (LfU) and the Nature Conservation Association (BN). However, bears are also curious, which may include when they encounter a human.

Bears are found where they can access seasonally available food. The animals are intelligent and can learn that food is available in human settlements. They may then come there intentionally, but primarily at night.

Bear must have an escape route

In the event of a bear encounter, one should remain calm, avoid sudden movements, not run away, and not throw branches or stones to try to scare the animal away, according to the LfU. “Keep an eye on the bear and slowly and controlled retreat. Always give the bear an escape route.”

According to BN, a bear encounter can become particularly critical if cubs are present or if the bear is surprised–for example, while foraging for berries–and feels it has no escape route.

Also of interest: After bear attack in neighboring province! How safe is South Tyrol for tourists? 

Alert the bear before the encounter

If you see a bear, it is advisable to make it aware of you by speaking calmly and making slow arm movements, according to experts. Those hiking in bear territory should, according to the BN, sing or talk loudly so that the bear hears the person before the encounter and retreats. At night, bear areas should be avoided for outdoor activities, and no food scraps should be left behind.

BILD Travel: Discover the best hotels in Slovenia now!

If a bear stands up, it should not be interpreted as a threat. Rather, a bear is curious and tries to get a better view by standing. Remain standing and speak calmly, recommends the LfU for such a situation.

If a bear approaches further, one should lie on their stomach or crouch on the ground and place their hands on the neck, according to the LfU. Generally, the bear will then leave the person alone or merely sniff them. The person should wait until the bear has moved away.

More on the topic

Caution: Health Hazard! How to Tell if a Swimming Lake Is Contaminated With Blue-Green Algae

After Ryanair Flight Makes Emergency Landing Turbulence on Planes: How Passengers Can Protect Themselves

South Africa tests new system How beach vacationers should be protected from shark attacks

What if the bear attacks?

According to the online portal of the ARD program “Planet Wissen,” if a bear does attack, you should scream and defend yourself, as resistance may make the bear more aggressive. However, the best chance of survival is to play dead until the bear leaves, especially since resistance can make bears more aggressive, particularly grizzlies compared to black bears.

With material from dpa