HIKER HORROR – Bear SHOVES Him Off CLIFF!

A veteran Greek hiker was killed after a brown bear knocked him into an 800‑meter ravine during a trek in Fraktos Forest, sparking renewed calls for better trail safety and wildlife awareness.

At a Glance

• Christos Stavrianidis, an experienced hiker from Drama, died after being knocked over a cliff into a roughly 2,600-foot ravine during a bear encounter in northeastern Greece
• His companion, Dimitris Kioroglou, escaped after his dog intervened and he deployed pepper spray, witnessing the fatal push
• Rescue teams used helicopters and rappelling equipment to reach the ravine, locating Stavrianidis unconscious
• The hikers were visiting a WWII-era aircraft crash site recently discovered by Stavrianidis
• Experts say the bear likely acted in defense, not aggression, prompting calls for enhanced trail safety measures

The Incident Unfolds

Stavrianidis and Kioroglou were hiking Sunday in the remote Fraktos Forest in the Rhodope Mountains. Their destination: a WWII-era Hellenic Air Force wreckage discovered by Stavrianidis last year. On their return, the pair encountered a large brown bear. Kioroglou’s Belgian Malinois briefly distracted the animal, allowing him to deploy pepper spray, but the bear turned on Stavrianidis, who was standing near a cliff edge and was pushed over.

Panicked, Kioroglou climbed a tree and contacted emergency services. Responders from EMAK and local firefighters faced extreme terrain during the late-night operation. A helicopter helped locate the unconscious hiker, who later succumbed to injuries at Kavala Hospital.

Watch a report: Greek rescue crews search for hiker in bear incident.

Expert Perspective & Safety Lessons

Panos Stefanou, spokesman for Greek wildlife NGO Arcturos, said the bear’s behavior aligned with defensive instincts. Bears typically react aggressively when startled, especially during mating or cub-rearing seasons. While attacks remain rare, their consequences can be devastating.

Conservationists stress the need for better public education: signage in known bear zones, group hiking policies, and required awareness training. The incident has reignited discussions about human encroachment on wild habitats and the delicate balance between adventure and ecological respect.