Man-eater - Bears

Bears

Although bears rarely attack humans, bear attacks are often fatal due to the size and immense strength of bears. As with dogs, predatory intent is not necessary; territorial disputes and protection of cubs can result in death by bear attack. Truly man-eating bears are uncommon but are known to occur when the animals are diseased or natural prey is scarce, often leading bears to attack and eat anything they are able to kill. In July 2008, dozens of starving bears killed two geologists working at a salmon hatchery in Kamchatka. After the partially eaten remains of the two workers were discovered, authorities responded by sending out a team of snipers to hunt down the bears.

Though usually shy and cautious animals, Asian black bears are more aggressive toward humans than the brown bears of Eurasia. As a rule, brown bears seldom attack humans on sight, and usually avoid people. They are however unpredictable in temperament, and will attack if they are surprised or feel threatened. In some areas of India and Burma, sloth bears are more feared than tigers, due to their unpredictable temperament.

• Brown bear of Sankebetsu
• Sloth bear of Mysore
• Timothy Treadwell
• List of fatal bear attacks in North America