A 55-year-old cyclist was violently knocked off his bicycle by a brown bear on a forest path near a recreational resort in Slovakia, according to the television network TA3 and rescue services.
Details of the Saturday Evening Bear Attack
The incident occurred on Saturday evening along a private forest path secured by a barrier where bicycle traffic is prohibited, according to television reporting by TA3. The brown bear caught the cyclist unawares, knocking him directly off his bike and inflicting several injuries. Petra Klimešová, spokesperson for the Operational Centre of the Rescue Health Service, confirmed the victim’s age and the nature of the emergency to the TASR news agency.
Following the strike, the wounded man managed to travel to nearby cottages on his own power. Residents at the cabins immediately called for emergency medical assistance. Paramedics transported the victim to the hospital in Martin, where medical staff admitted him to the orthopaedic clinic for treatment of multiple bite wounds and lacerations, as reported by TA3.
Did You Know?
According to local forest manager Vladimír Štancel, brown bears are a common sight in this specific Slovakian region. Despite local authorities and the intervention team from the Veľká Fatra National Park deploying officers to the scene immediately after the emergency call, search teams were unable to locate the attacking animal.
Broader Context on Brown Bear Populations and Culls
Official records show that authorities have shot 28 brown bears across Slovakia since the beginning of 2026. This follows a significantly higher culling rate in the previous year, during which 213 brown bears were killed across the country throughout 2025.
Even with hundreds of animals removed from the population through authorized culls, encounters and attacks on humans continue to occur in forested areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the bear attack take place?
The attack occurred on a Saturday evening on a private forest path equipped with a barrier near a recreational resort in Slovakia, where cycling is prohibited.
What are the victim’s current condition and injuries?
The 55-year-old cyclist suffered multiple bites and lacerations across his body. He managed to reach nearby cabins for help and was subsequently hospitalized at the Martin hospital orthopaedic clinic.
Were authorities able to find the bear?
No. Police and the intervention team from the Veľká Fatra National Park searched the area immediately following the incident but failed to locate the animal.
How many brown bears have been culled recently in Slovakia?
According to regional data, 28 brown bears have been shot across Slovakia since the start of 2026, following 213 culls executed throughout the entire year of 2025.
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