In a gripping sequence from the film The Revenant, a grizzly bear violently attacks the protagonist after he inadvertently intrudes between her and her cubs. Her assault is relentless—she hurls him like a toy, claws at his back and chest, bites him, and finally relents only when she perceives the danger has passed.
This dramatic encounter reflects an old American adage regarding bear interactions:
“If it’s brown, lay down. If it’s black, fight back. If it’s white, goodnight.”
In Greece, we only have brown bears—approximately 750 of them—and experts emphasize that they do not regard humans as prey or threats, unless provoked.
Similar to bears, most wildlife in Greece tends to avoid humans. However, as rural areas decline in population and wildlife habitats expand, animals are increasingly encroaching on urban and semi-urban spaces. Wolves, wild boars, jackals, and even vipers are increasingly spotted near village peripheries and city streets.
When Nature Becomes Dangerous
The tragic incident in Frakto wasn’t a case of random aggression but rather a misunderstanding. A startled bear, feeling threatened, reacted instinctively. Nature isn’t scripted like a Hollywood film or a video game; a single misstep can have dire consequences.
Christos Stavrianidis, who lost his life during a bear encounter, wasn’t alone on the trail that day. His climbing partner, Dimitris Kioroglou, survived. This story illustrates a fundamental truth: when we enter wild territories, we are guests—and oftentimes, uninvited ones.
Experts encourage us to dismiss the myths fostered by social media and viral wildlife videos. These animals are not mere characters in popular clips; they are instinct-driven, territorial, and often as wary of humans as we are of them. Actions like using pepper spray on Greek brown bears or walking dogs in wolf habitats can lead to dangerous encounters.
Wildlife exists independently of human schedules, selfies, and sentimentality.
What to Do If You Encounter a Bear
Around the environmental NGO “Callisto,” the following guidelines are advised:
- Stay calm.
- Remain still—avoid panic or running.
- Do not throw objects like rocks or sticks.
- Gradually back away, respecting the bear’s dominance.
- If space is limited, create an exit route for the bear—do not block its path.
The Bear: Giant of the Pindos
Greece hosts the southernmost population of European brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos), with approximately 750 individuals residing in the mountainous regions stretching from the Rhodope range in Thrace through the Pindos mountains to western and central Macedonia, occasionally reaching as far south as the Agrafa region.
Being omnivores, over 85% of their diet consists of plants. They can weigh between 120–130 kg and over 400 kg, with males typically being larger. Standing upright, they exceed 2 meters in height and can run at speeds up to 60 km/h.
Though formidable, Greek brown bears are not innately aggressive towards humans. However, they will defend themselves or their cubs if they feel threatened. Most aggressive encounters occur accidentally, often near food sources like rubbish dumps or fruit trees adjacent to human settlements.
In the past 15 years, there have been 16 recorded bear-human encounters in Greece—none of which were fatal. In contrast, over 130 bears have died due to human actions, such as poaching, poisoned bait, or road incidents.
The essential rule in bear territory? Don’t make the bear feel cornered or threatened.
The Wolf: Not the Villain of Fairytales
For centuries, wolves have been vilified—held responsible for livestock losses and depicted as villains in folklore. In truth, wolves are little threat to humans but remain significant predators of livestock.
Approximately 700 wolves are believed to inhabit Greece, primarily in remote mountainous regions north of Boeotia. They prefer areas with minimal human activity but are highly adaptable. Their diet includes wild ungulates, livestock, and even organic waste from garbage dumps.
Occasionally, wolves may approach villages, particularly in search of food. However, attacks on humans are virtually unheard of in contemporary Greece. One notable incident occurred in 2022, when a wolf killed a dog being walked by a teenager in Parnitha. This incident highlighted existing laws prohibiting the presence of domestic animals in national parks—especially dogs, which are viewed by wolves as competitors.
If you encounter a wolf, keep the following in mind:
- Remain calm and avoid direct eye contact.
- Do not feed or attempt to approach it.
- Back away slowly.
- Never turn your back or run away.
The Wild Boar Boom: An Ongoing Issue
Wild boars are arguably the most disruptive species within modern Greek wildlife. Their population has surged in recent years—estimated at between 400,000 and 600,000—partly due to hybridization with domestic pigs, making them more fertile and less fearful of humans.
These boars frequently wander into urban outskirts, creating traffic hazards and potential risks to public safety. Adult males can exceed 250 kg and can travel at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Though their eyesight is poor, they possess sharp hearing and an acute sense of smell.
While rare, boar attacks can result in significant injuries due to their tusks. Experts advise against feeding stray animals or leaving food waste outside, as this attracts boars. Installing motion-sensitive lighting may also help deter them.
If you encounter a wild boar, keep the following steps in mind:
- Stay calm and back away slowly—do not run.
- Avoid feeding or approaching piglets.
- Maintain distance and refrain from flash photography.
- Be particularly cautious if young are present, as adults will defend them.
Greek wildlife is not antagonistic toward us, but it doesn’t exist for our amusement either.
Honor the wild, stay informed, and remember: in nature, you are a visitor—not the host.
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