Press release
Veľká Fatra National Park
Intervention of the Fatra Intervention Team after a brown bear attack
On 15. February 2026 in the afternoon, the Fatra Intervention Team received a notification of a brown bear attack on a person in the suburbs of the city district of Hrboltová (approximately 900 m n. m.).
A field trip was carried out to the scene in cooperation with members of the District Department of the Ružomberok Police Force and a hunting manager. According to available information, the attack took place during the movement of people in the forest. The attacked person suffered several injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
A female bear was found dead with gunshot wounds at the scene. There were traces of a match in the area. During the inspection, it was found that the bear was breastfeeding. A den with three cubs was subsequently identified near the scene, which were taken away by the Fatra Intervention Team and provided with the necessary care.
The intervention team carried out photo documentation of the scene, the den and the cadaver of the bear. The cadaver was left at the site for further investigation by law enforcement authorities in connection with the suspicion of acting in extreme necessity and the killing of a protected animal.
The case is the subject of further investigation. The Administration of the Veľká Fatra National Park, based in Martin, will continue to monitor the situation and proceed in accordance with the applicable legislation in cooperation with the relevant authorities. We will keep the public informed about further developments.
