A recent vacation in Romania took a terrifying turn for a Scottish tourist when a close encounter with a brown bear turned into a mauling. Moira Gallacher, 72, was traveling with her friend Charmian Widdowson when the unexpected attack occurred.
A Breathtaking Trip with a Dangerous Stop
Gallacher and Widdowson were exploring the scenic Carpathian Mountains, enjoying the beauty of the European country. Their road trip included a stop that would turn unforgettable, but for all the wrong reasons. While driving, they spotted a mama bear and her cub by the side of the road. The sight of these magnificent creatures must have been awe-inspiring.
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Window Down for a Better Look, Big Mistake
Widdowson described the bears as “gorgeous,” but their initial charm turned deceptive. The friends decided to capture the moment with a photograph. A seemingly harmless action – rolling down a window – became the turning point of their encounter. Widdowson explained that the first attempt resulted in a successful photo op with the bear approaching the passenger side of the car and then moving away peacefully. However, Gallacher wasn’t satisfied and wanted a better shot. This decision to roll down the window a second time proved dangerous.
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Attack! Window Down Becomes Window of Opportunity
The mama bear, perhaps startled by the movement or perceiving food based on Widdowson’s comment about getting something to eat, saw an opportunity. In a sudden attack, the bear lunged at Gallacher, biting her arm. Thankfully, Gallacher was wearing a thick jacket, which blunted the force of the bite. Widdowson recounted the incident with a touch of humor, noting that the “poor bear got more jacket than arm.”
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Lucky Escape and a Lesson Learned
Despite the attack, Gallacher escaped serious injury. She was treated at a local hospital for wounds on her arm and later released. The experience, no doubt, left her shaken but ultimately grateful. “I was wearing a padded jacket and a top and another top – that’s what saved my arm,” Gallacher recounted. “I’ve been very, very lucky.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance when encountering wild animals. The allure of a close-up picture can be tempting, but the potential consequences, as Gallacher learned firsthand, can be severe.