Hiker falls 2,600ft to death after bear shoves him off ravine in holiday hotspot
Experienced hiker Christos Stavrianidis was venturing into the forest in central Macedonia, Greece with another veteran rambler to chart a path that would allow people to visit a downed warplane that crashed there 70 years ago
A hiker plummeted to his death after a brown bear knocked him down a 2,600ft ravine in Greece this week.
Veteran rambler Christos Stavrianidis was found at the bottom of the bottom of the ravine and rushed to Kavala hospital in Kavala, Central Macedonia, where he was pronounced dead.
He and another experienced hiker Dimitris Kioroglou, were heading in to the forest to see the 70-year-old remains of a downed Greek warplane on Monday.
Speaking to NewsIT, Dimitris said: "I suddenly saw a bear which attacked me. My dog delayed it for a few seconds. I used pepper spray, and it headed to where my friend was and knocked him into the ravine."
He also told Greece's national broadcaster, TV ERT that Christos had run out of bear spray when he was approached by the "very big bear". "I've never seen such speed and such strength before," he added.
A spokesman for Greek wildlife organisation Arcturos said the bear was displaying "defensive behaviour" rather than that of "attack". "The bear is trying to push back what it sees as a threat," he told TV ERT.
The pair were heading out to visit a warplane that Christos had discovered last year. They were trying to find an accessible route so more people could see it.
Speaking to a journalist last year, he said: "It's a beautiful discovery that deserves to be viewed on location ... the fuselage is nearly intact. It's a treasure of nature and should be left [in the forest]."
Under Greek law, brown bears are protected and can be found in western Rhodopes and Northern and Central Pindos. There are thought to be around 450 of the creatures in Greece.
In January, a father and son died after a terrifying bear attack in a forest in India. The duo had ventured into the area to gather wood when they were viciously attacked by an enraged sloth bear in the Kanker area of Chhattisgarh. The victims, Suklal Darro, 45, and Ajju Kureti, 22, tragically died as a result of the attack.
Despite efforts to save them, Darro succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital, while Kureti passed away on the spot. Reports indicate that a forest officer also sustained injuries while attempting to rescue Darro and Kureti from the bear's clutches.
The bear, in a fit of rage, held the officer in its arms and tried to crush him. "Don't run away," a man in the background can be heard saying to the guard moments before bear mauled him. The bear was captured on camera charging into the woods to attack three people.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside Greek spa hotel with five-star treatments and 13 bars & restaurants
The Amada Colossos in Rhodes is one of the most popular hotels on the island Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREECE is famous for some of the world's most historic monuments but while not old, I was lucky enough to visit a colossus of a resort — literally! The Amada Colossos in Rhodes is one of the most popular hotels on the island and as the name suggests, it's a massive complex but incredibly still feels intimate and welcoming. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Amada Colossos in Rhodes is one of the most popular hotels Credit: Supplied 5 The Amada has just under 700 rooms Credit: Supplied 5 The bedroom had tonnes of space, with all the mod cons and a sensational orthopaedic mattress Credit: Supplied I was a tad weary after a day's travelling, but I immediately perked up when I sampled the luxurious hospitality there as I sipped fizz and had a nibble in the fancy Executive Lounge. The Amada has just under 700 rooms, across 17 different types, so depending on your budget and preference there's definitely a room for you. My Sea View Executive Suite was simply out of this world. It had a walk-in wardrobe like something you see on a celebs pad on TV — I hadn't packed anywhere near enough holiday clobber to do it justice. The main living area was spot on with a big comfy sofa, ideal to kick back on, and a giant flat screen TV to catch up on world events, watch a movie or just tune into the resort's info. It also had a packed mini bar of alcoholic and soft drinks, which was constantly topped up by the fantastic staff. The balcony overlooked the stunning beach and was the perfect place to relax first thing in the morning with a cuppa, or last thing at night with a nightcap from the minibar. And the sprawling bedroom? What can I say . . . it had tonnes of space, with all the mod cons and a sensational orthopaedic mattress which was a struggle to rise from in the morning. And the bathroom had a brilliant and welcoming power shower to wash away the day's exertions. I love a pampering, and often treat myself to a massage back home, so you can imagine my delight on discovering the Amada Colossos' incredible spa. I chilled in the steam room and sauna before I was treated to an hour-long full body massage that was one of the best I've ever had. I'm sure I didn't look it, but I certainly felt like a Greek God! However, if you fancy something a bit more active then the hotel's water park is ideal for the young — and the young at heart. The Peloponnese penninsula - an underrated Greek holiday destination Now we all know Greece is renowned for its food and the offerings at the hotel doesn't disappoint. the only problem I encountered was choosing where to eat. After all, with a choice of over a dozen restaurants and bars and only a few days to sample them, I had to choose wisely. The main buffet seemed popular with all the guests so I headed there and enjoyed both delicious local and international dishes. If you can't find something here you like then I don't know how to help you! Then there's the tempting Italian eaterie, serving up a la carte options including the simply wonderful Carpaccio di Vitello Tonnato and Caponata di Melanzana — that's veal with tuna sauce and a Sicilian dish of fried aubergine with tomatoes and capers. Prepare to be transported to the Italian countryside. The tantalising fine-dining Asian restaurant's incredible degustation menu took us on a journey across the Far East. It's fabulous for non-meat eaters and vegans too with an array of choices. But one dining highlight among many was being treated to an al fresco dinner near the beach one night, sampling the divine tasting menu of fish and meat dishes as the sun set. It was just incredible. I always think you can't beat eating and living how a local would, and we certainly did that at Votsala, their Greek Taverna by the Sea. It was sensational. The crumbed feta and the freshest of salads got the taste buds going, accompanied with an abundance of bread and olive oil. The selection of locally produced dishes like giant beans in oil and veg, octopus, cheese balls, and the beef kofte were the business. It was one of the best lunches I've had on all my travels and I didn't want it to end. After stuffing my face, I just wanted to relax and at the Amada Colossos there's that in abundance. 5 Gerry found out what ancient monuments Lindos had to offer 5 The Amada Colossas resort beach Credit: Supplied The giant pool area and the adjoining beach are the perfect places to unwind and soak up the rays with the fantastic backdrop of the inviting Aegean Sea. Normally I can barely stretch myself awake when I get up in the morning, so I was a little bit worried after I signed up for my first outdoor yoga class - but I loved it! Before I knew it, I was getting my creaking bones into all sorts of positions under the guidance of our talented instructor. It was a super relaxing start to the day, just as the morning rays started to beat down on me and set me up nicely for a packed day of visiting some of Rhodes' most incredible sights. First we headed to Lindos, one of the most popular villages and no wonder. It's simply stunning and oozes traditional charm. A short journey from the centre of Rhodes, its hilltop site, with panoramic views shows off the island's beauty. The white buildings stand out from miles away, glistening majestically in the Greek sunshine. There are several restaurants and boutique shops accessed by tiny winding paths all the way through the village. But the absolute highlight here has to be the Lindos Acropolis. Sure, it might not be as familiar as its namesake in Athens, but it's just as breathtaking. The incredible temple towers over the area and is quite literally steeped in thousands of years of history. GO: GREECE GETTING THERE: EasyJet fly from Glasgow to Rhodes. See for cheapest fares. STAYING THERE: Rooms for two at the 5H Amada Colossos Resort in Rhodes from £167 a night B&B. The hotel also offers half-board and ultra all-inclusive. See Our tour guide was excellent and gave us all the information we needed to learn about the past. It's a decent hike of around 300 steps, but it is definitely worth the effort. It's not every day you get to enjoy see an incredible piece of history that dates back to the 10th century BC. Below the stunning hillside architecture is St Paul's Bay, blessed with crystal clear waters and a lovely beach and that's just where we made a beeline for a dip and a walk on the fine golden sands. After a packed morning of sight-seeing, it was time to refuel and soak up some more Grecian sunshine while at lunch at The Kapari — a Fish & Sea restaurant, flanking the beach in the town of Kolympia. I felt like like I was in my own little slice of paradise as I listened to the mesmerising sound of the waves wash up on the shore, while enjoying a crisp cold glass of local white wine. We had an endless supply of delicious dishes including calamari, risotto and salads. What a way to celebrate a fabulous day venturing and exploring just a tiny bit of the less familiar ancient monuments Rhodes has to offer. Whether you want an action packed or chilled break, Rhodes is an amazing island with so much to discover. And the Amada Colossus will ensure you have a monumental time.
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Hiker falls 2,600ft to death after bear shoves him off ravine in holiday hotspot
Experienced hiker Christos Stavrianidis was venturing into the forest in central Macedonia, Greece with another veteran rambler to chart a path that would allow people to visit a downed warplane that crashed there 70 years ago A hiker plummeted to his death after a brown bear knocked him down a 2,600ft ravine in Greece this week. Veteran rambler Christos Stavrianidis was found at the bottom of the bottom of the ravine and rushed to Kavala hospital in Kavala, Central Macedonia, where he was pronounced dead. He and another experienced hiker Dimitris Kioroglou, were heading in to the forest to see the 70-year-old remains of a downed Greek warplane on Monday. Speaking to NewsIT, Dimitris said: "I suddenly saw a bear which attacked me. My dog delayed it for a few seconds. I used pepper spray, and it headed to where my friend was and knocked him into the ravine." He also told Greece's national broadcaster, TV ERT that Christos had run out of bear spray when he was approached by the "very big bear". "I've never seen such speed and such strength before," he added. A spokesman for Greek wildlife organisation Arcturos said the bear was displaying "defensive behaviour" rather than that of "attack". "The bear is trying to push back what it sees as a threat," he told TV ERT. The pair were heading out to visit a warplane that Christos had discovered last year. They were trying to find an accessible route so more people could see it. Speaking to a journalist last year, he said: "It's a beautiful discovery that deserves to be viewed on location ... the fuselage is nearly intact. It's a treasure of nature and should be left [in the forest]." Under Greek law, brown bears are protected and can be found in western Rhodopes and Northern and Central Pindos. There are thought to be around 450 of the creatures in Greece. In January, a father and son died after a terrifying bear attack in a forest in India. The duo had ventured into the area to gather wood when they were viciously attacked by an enraged sloth bear in the Kanker area of Chhattisgarh. The victims, Suklal Darro, 45, and Ajju Kureti, 22, tragically died as a result of the attack. Despite efforts to save them, Darro succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital, while Kureti passed away on the spot. Reports indicate that a forest officer also sustained injuries while attempting to rescue Darro and Kureti from the bear's clutches. The bear, in a fit of rage, held the officer in its arms and tried to crush him. "Don't run away," a man in the background can be heard saying to the guard moments before bear mauled him. The bear was captured on camera charging into the woods to attack three people.
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
European wildfire hell - all the holiday heat dome hotspots battling infernos
Wildfires have broken out in several European countries loved by British holidaymakers, with Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey and France all impacted as a powerful heatwaves roasts the Continent Wildfires have broken out across Europe as the Continent battles with ferociously hot temperatures. The mercury could reach a ferocious 47°C in Spain this weekend, while road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy. Those in France, Portugal, Turkey and Greece are also struggling to deal with stifling, brutally hot days and nights. As well as the heat being a danger to the health of locals and holidaymakers alike, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca, the risk of wildfires is sky high in countries across Europe, and have already broken out in several. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon, thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. The impact of human-driven climate change has only made the risk of such heatwaves worse. Greece Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion — home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. As a dozen aircraft and helicopters swooped in to combat the blaze from above, they supported a ground operation of 130 firefighters and their volunteer counterparts near Palaia Fokaia, on the outskirts of Athens. The coast guard announced that two patrol boats and nine private vessels were on standby in the Palaia Fokaia area, ready for a potential sea evacuation. Fire department spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis revealed that 40 individuals had been evacuated by police, while evacuation orders were issued for five areas in total. The wider Athens area, along with several Aegean islands, is currently on Level 4 of a 5-level scale for wildfire risk due to weather conditions, with the heatwave predicted to persist until the weekend. Earlier this week, it took hundreds of firefighters four days to control a significant wildfire on the eastern Aegean island of Chios. Over a dozen evacuation orders were issued for Chios, where the flames consumed forests and farmland. Wildfires are a common occurrence in Greece during its sweltering, arid summers. In 2018, a colossal fire engulfed the coastal town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping residents in their homes and on escape routes. The disaster claimed over 100 lives, including some who tragically drowned while attempting to swim away from the inferno. Spain So far, wildfires have been limited in Spain, but the threat is rising as the country braces for seriously high temperatures over the coming days. The mercury could reach a ferocious 47°C in Spain this weekend. On Thursday, a forest fire broke out in the Talavera de la Reina region, creating a column of smoke visible from the city. A total of 10 vehicles — two of them aerial — and 38 personnel were called in to put it out. The Canary Islands government has issued a warning for Gran Canaria starting this Saturday due to high temperatures across the entire island. There is a risk of forest fires at altitudes above 400 metres. Temperatures in Gran Canaria are expected to exceed 34°C this weekend and will likely approach 37°C, with strong winds increasing the danger. The Canary Islands government is urging the public to avoid lighting fires — even in barbecues or recreational areas — and to avoid using tools or machinery that could produce sparks, such as chainsaws, brush cutters, or welders. A pre-alert for heat has been issued for the rest of the archipelago, with temperatures expected to be around 30–34°C (86–93°F) on El Hierro, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, as well as on the eastern, southern, and western slopes of Tenerife, and 26–32°C (79–90°F) on the northern coast of Gran Canaria. Portugal Wildfires are serious business in Portugal. Last year, there were 6,267 individual wildfires recorded, with 16 people losing their lives as a result. In total, 137,000 hectares were destroyed — an area four times larger than the previous year. So far this year, 22 people have been arrested for arson, according to Público. The total financial loss last year in Portugal — including materials, biomass for energy, fruits, and stored carbon — reached around 67 million euros and affected 2.36 million cubic metres of wood. While last year was, hopefully, an outlier in terms of wildfire severity, with temperatures nudging 40°C in parts of Portugal this weekend, blazes are likely. Italy The boot-shaped country is also facing the risk of wildfires this weekend, with unrelenting sunshine and highs nudging 40°C in the south. Today, two fires broke out near Rome and in Dragoncello. Flames and smoke rose up, threatening to engulf several properties. Turkey Wildfires broke out in eight provinces in Turkey on a single day this week. Most were in western provinces — areas where many Europeans travel on holiday. All fires were brought under control after coordinated air and ground efforts. According to the General Directorate of Forestry, five of the fires began in rural areas and later spread to nearby forests. 'Fifty percent of wildfires start in agricultural zones. Small acts of negligence can lead to major disasters,' the authority warned, urging the public not to "set our future on fire.' One of the most dangerous blazes broke out in the Osmangazi district of the northwestern province of Bursa. Fueled by strong winds, the flames quickly spread from forested areas to nearby residential zones. France France has yet to be hit by major wildfires this year, but firefighters are on high alert this weekend. The Bouches-du-Rhône is on orange alert, and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse are on yellow alert due to the intense heat expected to persist into the weekend. Strong winds may make matters more difficult to control if a blaze does break out. According to La Provence, the 'risk of major fires is high.' Let me know if you'd like this shortened or rewritten for publication (e.g., news website, print, or social media).
