A British teenager mauled to death by a bear in Slovakia made a desperate final phone call to emergency services as the predator stalked him, new reports reveal.
The 19-year-old victim, identified as a resort worker, was attacked while cleaning the grounds of the luxury Hotel Tri Studničky in the High Tatras mountains. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about wildlife safety protocols.
The Fatal Encounter
According to Slovakian media, the young man was performing his cleaning duties when he encountered the brown bear. In a chilling turn of events, he managed to dial emergency services as the animal began its attack.
Police spokesperson Juraj Bakos confirmed the tragedy, stating: "We can confirm that a 19-year-old British citizen died today as a result of a bear attack."
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Rescue teams rushed to the scene following the emergency call, but tragically arrived too late to save the teenager. The area was immediately secured, and authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The luxury hotel, situated in one of Slovakia's most popular tourist regions, has temporarily suspended operations while the investigation continues. Local authorities have also initiated measures to track and monitor the bear responsible for the fatal mauling.
Growing Wildlife Concerns
This tragic incident highlights increasing tensions between Slovakia's growing bear population and human activity in mountain regions. Brown bears, while protected in Slovakia, have been involved in several encounters with humans in recent years.
Local environmental officials note that bear sightings have become more frequent in populated areas, raising concerns about coexistence strategies and safety measures for both residents and tourists.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed they are providing support to the victim's family during this devastating time.
