The peaceful morning in the village of Blatnica, in the Martin district, was disrupted on Tuesday, September 15, by an unexpected incident: a wild animal made its way all the way into a residential area. Toward evening, a brown bear crossed a local stream and headed straight for the town center, where it attacked an elderly woman in a small square where people—including market vendors—were gathered at the time.
According to the State Nature Conservation Agency of the Slovak Republic and the Joj television channel, the animal scratched the 79-year-old woman. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and the injured elderly woman was transported to the University Hospital in Martin. According to media reports, she sustained injuries that, fortunately, did not require serious hospitalization, and after receiving treatment, she was discharged to recover at home.
A thermal imaging drone was deployed
Following the incident, nature conservation officials immediately dispatched specialized units to the Turets region. The Fatra Rapid Response Team began intensively monitoring the area, using modern technology—including drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras—to search and monitor the territory.
The authorities’ goal is to determine the current movements and behavior of the animal, which was startled in the middle of an ordinary day. The authorities are also urging residents and tourists to exercise the utmost caution.
How to Behave in Dangerous Areas
Due to frequent sightings of large predators near human settlements, the relevant authorities have issued recommendations for the public:
- Stick strictly to officially marked and verified hiking trails.
- In hard-to-reach areas, dense vegetation, or near streams, announce your presence in a loud voice well in advance.
- Obey all warning signs and instructions from rapid response teams or the police.
- If you spot a bear near a residential area again, immediately notify the Fatra Rapid Response Team.
- In the event of any immediate threat to life or health, call the emergency hotline at 112.
