In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, people are preparing for the G7 summit. The security concept includes various dangerous situations – but not primarily the threat of a bear. But the police are prepared.
Probably 18,000 police officers are supposed to ensure security around the heavily shielded Elmau Castle at the G7 summit at the end of June. But right now a bear is sneaking through the undergrowth – and possibly meeting the officials who are also out and about in the forest?
In fact, a brown bear was photographed by a wildlife camera in late April in the southern district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, not far from Elmau. And near Scharnitz in Tyrol, a good ten kilometers as the crow flies from the castle, farmers fetched their sheep from the pasture at the end of May after a bear – the same or another – had apparently killed 15 animals.
First and foremost, the tight security policy for the high-profile June 26-28 summit includes no bear threat. However, a constant assessment of the situation, which also includes bear sightings, is part of the police preparations, the G7 planning team told the police. “We are already in contact with the responsible authorities in this regard.”
Preparations continue as planned
The construction work on the 16-kilometer barrier around the conference venue was not affected by the bear sighting. “The company commissioned with this will be informed accordingly.” The police ruled out that the bear was accidentally fenced in and then in the narrow security area with the heads of state and government. It is not a “full lock”.
In the event of an encounter with a bear, the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) developed advice after the shooting of problem bear Bruno in 2006, which the police officers can of course also apply. “Remain as calm and relaxed as possible,” advises the LfU. “Stop and get the bear’s attention by speaking calmly and moving your arms slowly.” You shouldn’t run away or try to drive him away, but retreat slowly and in a controlled manner.
If the bear does attack: “Lie face down on the floor or crouch on the floor with your hands behind your neck. If available, your backpack protects your back. The bear will usually let you go or just sniff you.”
