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Bear Encounter Kills Veteran Greek Hiker in Fraktou Forest

An initial inquiry has been launched to understand the bear’s defensive response during the hikers’ exploration of a wartime plane site.

Overview

  • Christos Stavrianidis was found at the bottom of an 800-metre ravine in Fraktou forest after a brown bear surprised him and fellow hiker Dimitris Kioroglou on June 9.
  • He was pronounced dead at Kavala hospital the following day from injuries sustained in the fall.
  • Kioroglou escaped unharmed by climbing a tree, deploying pepper spray and later calling for help.
  • Panos Stefanou of wildlife group Arcturos said the bear likely acted in self-defence when it pushed Stavrianidis over the ravine edge.
  • Stavrianidis had discovered a 1950s Greek warplane wreck last August and was mapping a safer route for visitors when the incident occurred.