A polar bear attacked a woman at Berlin Zoo Friday afternoon after she climbed a fence and jumped into its habitat during feeding time, police said Saturday.
There can be several reasons why a bear may attack a human, including feeling threatened or protecting their cubs or food source. It is important to always stay alert and aware when in bear country and to follow proper safety precautions, such as making noise, carrying bear spray, and properly storing food.
Bear attacks on humans are relatively rare. In North America, there are an average of 1-2 fatal bear attacks per year. However, it is still important to take precautions and be prepared when in bear country.
It is not recommended to approach or provoke any wild animal, including bears. It is possible that the woman may have unknowingly approached too closely or surprised the bear, causing it to feel threatened and attack.
If you encounter a bear, it is important to remain calm and slowly back away while facing the bear. Do not make any sudden movements or turn your back on the bear. If the bear charges, use bear spray or any available objects to try and deter the bear. If the bear makes physical contact, play dead by lying on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck, and spread your legs to make it more difficult for the bear to turn you over. Once the bear leaves, stay still and wait for help to arrive.
While bear attacks cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include staying alert and making noise when in bear country, properly storing food and garbage, and avoiding areas known to have a high bear population. It is also important to educate oneself on bear behavior and know how to react in case of an encounter.