Did the two walkers involuntarily release a bear to the police? In any case, wildlife ecologist Hubert Schatz considers a sighting of two bears unlikely. Klaus Zimmermann, specialist consultant at Dornbirn’s “inatura”, knows what to do when Master Petz shows up.
Two tracks that could possibly come from bears, a pile of excrement, which are more likely attributed to deer – whether there really are two brown bears in the Montafon at the moment is neither impossible nor proven. “In any case, we couldn’t find anything,” reports nature ecologist Hubert Schatz after the alleged sighting by two hikers. The two were out with their dogs in Gortipohl on Wednesday morning, first seeing fleeing deer, then two roaring brown bears – and taking their legs in hand.
Hunters need to keep their eyes peeled
“The story is strange – especially since it is said to have been two roaring bears. Nevertheless, the hunters are encouraged to monitor tracks and monitor feeding stations more closely,” summarizes Hubert Schatz, who in his role as the official nature-ecological and hunting-economic expert of the state had of course exchanged views with the experts. However, he will not actively search for clues. “If it really was two bears, they will reappear when they need food.”
The bottom line is that he considers a sighting unlikely. “There is still a lot of snow in the mountains. It is almost impossible that the animals came via Switzerland, especially since our colleagues in Graubünden have not noticed any bears recently.”
Did the two walkers more or less involuntarily release a bear to the police? Klaus Zimmermann, biological advisor to Dornbirn’s “inatura”, also considers a sighting of Master Petz unlikely. “I’m especially skeptical because it’s said to have been two animals. If a female had cubs at this time of year, she wouldn’t be carrying them around,” he explains. It is probably not the case that a young animal from last year is still traveling with its mother.
Never hold dogs
But what should you do if you encounter a bear while walking the dog? “Under no circumstances pick up the dog, let it go. The dog is a potential prey and must protect itself,” Zimmermann recommends.
People must withdraw in an orderly manner. In other words, don’t look at Master Petz, but keep an eye on him and slowly back away. However, hasty movements or running away are not the best measures. “As soon as we run away, we are seen as prey. And then the animal has four legs and is just much faster than us humans.”
Don’t hit Master Petz
Under no circumstances should branches or the like be hit at the animal. If, contrary to expectations, the bear approaches you, it is more promising to just pretend to be dead. “But that would be a masterpiece,” says Zimmermann. In countries where more bears live, this is already being used quite successfully.
But no one needs to be afraid of the big four-legged friends. “Bears are usually not dangerous and don’t care about humans. Problems only arise when they lose their fear of people.”
Zimmermann’s tip for a walk or when looking for herbs: always talk loudly or tap the ground with a stick. “That scares most animals, including wolves and vipers.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
