Residents of the village of Vyšná Myšľa (Vyshna Myshla) and drivers heading toward Košice are asked to exercise caution. On Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026, a female bear with her cubs was spotted near the road leading from Vyšná Myšľa toward Košice. The police emphasize that the bears have not yet gone into hibernation, and an encounter with them could be dangerous.
Details of the incident
The Regional Directorate of the Police Corps in Košice reported the sighting of a female bear with cubs. The animals were spotted on the outskirts of the village of Vyšná Myšľa, located in the Košice-okolie district. The relevant Brown Bear Response Team, which monitors and responds to such incidents, has already been notified of the situation.
Why This Is Dangerous Right Now
Brown bears in Slovakia typically begin hibernating in November and wake up in March or April. However, due to mild winters and the availability of food, some bears may shorten their hibernation period or even skip it altogether. In October, bears actively search for food to build up fat reserves before winter, so their activity levels increase. A female bear with cubs poses a particular danger, as she may aggressively defend her offspring from any threat.
What to Do If You Encounter a Bear
The police and experts from the Brown Bear Response Team provide clear recommendations on what to do if you see a bear:
- Stay calm. Do not panic, do not run, and do not make any sudden movements. Running away may provoke the bear to chase you.
- Make your presence known. Speak to the bear in a calm voice so it understands that you are human. Slowly back away in the direction you came from, giving the animal plenty of space.
- Do not approach or take photos. It is strictly forbidden to approach bears, try to scare them away, or take close-up photos. This is especially true for female bears with cubs.
- Do not leave food behind. Avoid leaving food scraps in the forest or near populated areas, as this attracts bears.
- Avoid certain places and times. Be especially careful in dense vegetation, near food sources (berries, carrion), and at dawn and dusk, when bears are most active.
- In the event of an immediate threat to life or health, call 158 (police) or 112 (the single emergency number) immediately.
Following these rules will help avoid dangerous situations and ensure the safety of both people and wild animals. More information on safe behavior in areas where bears live can be found on the website of the Brown Bear Response Team.
You can read the original news article on the Pravda.sk website.
