Lorraine Williamson
A 75-year-old woman injured in a brown bear attack while walking in her home village in Asturias has been awarded €83,000 in compensation.
The region’s top court ruled that the Principality of Asturias was liable, after a prolonged legal dispute. The case has also reignited discussions around the risks of increasing bear populations in rural areas.
Injured while walking in her village
On 30 May 2021, Carmen Suárez was walking along a road in the village of Sonande when a brown bear appeared without warning. The animal struck her, causing a broken hip and serious injuries to her face. Consequently, she spent ten days in hospital.
Now dependent on her daughter for basic care, Suárez has returned to walking the same route—but only with support and a crutch. Speaking to Spanish media, she said she feared for her life during the incident. The attack left lasting physical and psychological effects.
Legal arguments dismissed by court
Initially, the regional government declined to pay compensation. Officials argued the bear encounter was unforeseeable and that the location posed no clear risk. When her claim was ignored, Suárez pursued the case through the courts.
Asturias’ Supreme Court ultimately sided with her, describing the government’s reasoning as “completely illogical”. The ruling obliges the administration to compensate her with €83,000. The regional authority has said it will not appeal the decision.
Rising bear numbers bring new risks
Brown bears were once rare in Spain’s Cantabrian mountains. But conservation efforts have reversed their decline. From an estimated 50–80 in the 1990s, today there are believed to be around 370 across the region.
This recovery has brought unintended challenges. As the population grows, bears are more frequently seen near rural villages, raising concerns about public safety. Measures like GPS tagging and secure rubbish containers have been introduced to reduce encounters.
Rare attacks highlight need for action
Attacks on people remain highly uncommon. Between 1999 and 2021, ten non-fatal incidents involving bears were recorded in Spain. In Suárez’s case, later investigations suggested the bear may have reacted out of fear, striking her while trying to flee.
Nevertheless, the case has sharpened public attention on how to manage cohabitation between humans and large wildlife.
EU-backed initiative to improve coexistence
In response to growing tensions, a conservation-led programme is now active in the region. The LIFE Human Bear Coexistence project is supported by the EU and coordinated by Fundación Oso Pardo.
The scheme covers nine municipalities across western Asturias and Castile and León—areas with the highest bear concentrations. Its goal is to reduce friction between human settlements and bear activity, while promoting safe, sustainable conservation.
Advice for anyone encountering a bear
Fundación iO provides safety recommendations for hikers and residents in bear-populated areas:
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Stay calm and avoid sudden noise.
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Never run—bears can outrun humans with ease.
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If possible, find shelter such as a hut or vehicle.
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Throwing an item like a bag may distract the animal.
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Do not climb trees—bears are skilled climbers.
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If attacked, protect your head and lie still.
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In groups, stay close together and raise walking poles to appear larger.
A delicate balance
As Spain’s wildlife rebounds, the challenge of balancing conservation with public safety becomes more urgent. The Suárez case has shown both the risks of this new reality—and the legal responsibilities it may bring.