More than 90% of the people who requested the help of the mountain rescuers did not know how to react in case of encountering wild animals on the mountain trails, says the leadership of the Braşov Rescue Service. Mountain rescuers come up with a series of recommendations for tourists who climb the mountain.
“In the last few days, the Salvamont Braşov County Dispatch has received a considerable number of calls from tourists on various mountain trails in Braşov County. These calls varied from direct encounters with bears, suspicious noises heard in the forest, to simple requests for information regarding the presence of bears in the area. We noticed with concern that more than 90% of the people who called us, through 112 or directly on the dispatcher’s phone, did not know how to react in the event of an encounter with wild animals. Many of them did not have a bear spray equipped, and in a few cases, the callers were alone on the mountain”, the officials of the Braşov Rescue Service report.
Recommendations
In the case of encountering wild animals, tourists must keep calm and not panic, as panic can worsen the situation and make them make wrong decisions. Those who meet bears must not run, because bears can run faster than humans, and by running humans can trigger the bear’s hunting instinct.
“Make yourself known: speak in a calm and firm voice to signal the bear’s human presence. Do not make direct eye contact: Bears may perceive direct eye contact as a threat. Back away slowly: take steps back slowly without turning your back on the bear. Use bear spray: If you have bear spray, be prepared to use it, but only as a last resort. Avoid areas with food: don’t leave food or scraps in the camping area, because they can attract bears”, the mountain rescuers say.
They recommend that tourists never go alone on the mountain and call 112, an application that allows the intervention teams to locate them quickly in case of emergency.
“It is crucial to be well prepared and follow safety measures to prevent dangerous encounters with bears. The mountain rescuers from the County Public Service Salvamont – Salvaspeo Braşov recommend all tourists to inform themselves thoroughly before going on the mountain trails and to make sure that they are properly equipped. Safety on the mountain depends not only on experience, but also on compliance with these essential recommendations”, say Salvamont Braşov officials.