Brown Bears (Info, Pics and Videos)

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It looks like, that a lot of bear related incidents in Sweden this spring. I put here one rough translation about recent case, happened yesterday May 25th. "Classic", getting in between mother bear and cubs... Luckily this man got only quite minor wounds.

Source: https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/man-attackerad-av-bjorn-1/

Rough translation of article: 

Orienteer Thomas Ericson, 62, was attacked by a bear with cubs in Ovanåker in Hälsingland.
He got several bites and was nursed in hospital for his injuries.
- I tried to run away from the bear but stumbled and then she was over me and bit me, says Thomas Ericson for Expressen.

At 19 o'clock on Saturday night, the police received a call about the incident. Then a man in his 60s had been out and orientated in a forest in Ovanåker in Hälsingland - and happened to end up between a bear female and her cubs, the police write on their website.
Bear mother tore the man so that he was injured, but it should not be a serious injury. He is nursed in hospital according to the police, but it is unclear whether he went there himself or if he got help to get there.

Surprised the bear mother with cubs
Expressen got in contact with the affected orientator on Sunday morning. His name is Thomas Ericson and belongs to Alfta Ösa OK. He says that he was out to set up controls for a big competition that the club arranges in early June.
It was in a forest area about 11 kilometers west of Edsbyn called Gammelhomna.
- I was alone in the forest and ran around with the screens when I saw the bear honey on a lesser clearing in the woods. She had cubs, two of them I think. The distance was only 10-15 meters and I think they were doing something so I surprised them, says Thomas Ericson.
The bear went to attack immediately. Thomas responded by trying to run away from the bear, but it failed.
- The bear roared and I tried to roar something back. Then I ran, says Thomas and continues:
- I stumbled and fell already after a few meters and then she was over me. She bit me in the calf and I put my arms over my head to protect me. Then she bit me in the arm too. But then she left the place. I heard her and the kids but lay on the ground and kept me quiet.
When the bear and the cubs disappeared, he got back to the car and drove home. Then he went to the health service to review the damage.

"Lied there and tried to keep me calm"
- It wasn't serious, more like dog bites. It's the marks of the teeth but no more. I was bandaged and got antibiotics, explains Thomas Ericson who seems to have taken the dramatic event well.
- The first instinct to run was perhaps not quite right. But when I lay there on the ground I was completely calm and thought rationally. How I would get back to the car and such.
  Thomas perceived the bear as rather small, just over a meter in height, but lightning fast.
- She attacked directly and there was no chance of getting away, he says.
  Thomas Ericson has been orientated for 40 years and has also been out in the current forest area many times before.
- But I've never seen any bear before. However, I have hoped to see one, but not really like this.

Police: Normal behavior for female bear with cubs
The police state that they will not take any action with regard to the bear attack. The bear mother and her cubs should be left in peace.
"The incident has not led to any action on the part of the police - the behavior of the bear dog is considered natural for females with cubs, and the police do not think she is more dangerous than any other bear".
The county administrative board shall be informed of the incident. Reply