Holidays to Italy 2024: Foreign Office issues new travel advice ahead of summer over safety fears for UK holidaymakers
The Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for anyone heading to Italy as they could face a growing threat.
Officials have updated an alert for people going to the Trentino region. The Foreign Office advised people to read an Italian website before going to familiarise themselves with safety advice.
It says: “If you are planning on hiking in the Trentino region, read what to do if you see a brown bear." VisitTrentinosaid: "If you see a bear, do not approach it and do not stay in the area, even to observe or photograph it. Slowly and silently return the way you came.
“Do not run. If the bear has seen you, it will probably go away on its own. Wait for it to leave before continuing, and do not follow it, even if you are in a car. If the bear follows you, slowly back away without turning your back to it. Speak firmly.”
It adds: "It must be remembered that bears are potentially dangerous wild animals and must be treated and regarded as such. Therefore, it is essential to adopt some precautions, recommended by experts.”
Earlier this year the Italian authorities were hit by controversy because it planned to destroy eight of the bears every year following attacks on people. Roberto Failoni, the member of Trentino's government responsible for its forests. said at the time: "We want to put the brakes on the growth of the bear population, to guarantee the safety of people."