Beware the bears, Polish tourists told

"These predators, awakened from their winter slumber, can pose a danger to humans," said Edward Marszałek, a spokesman for the regional state forests authority in Krosno, south-east Poland.

Recent warm weather, melting snow and rainfall have encouraged bears to break off their winter nap.

Forest rangers and tourists have in recent days spotted signs that at least a dozen bears are awake and active.

Although no evidence has been found that bears have wandered onto tourist routes, Marszałek said: “Practically every year there are encounters [between humans and bears] in which people are injured."

He added: "People should absolutely not wander off tourist trails." (pk)

Source: PAP