Bear attacks search party in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland

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According to the Bieszczady branch of Poland's Mountain Rescue Voluntary Service (GOPR), the incident marks the first such bear attack in the region in 50 years.

Two members of GOPR were searching the national park on a quad when the bear struck.

The two men managed to flee unharmed, but when they returned to the vehicle, traces of blood indicated that the bear was injured.

GOPR has stated that the animal could be highly dangerous if wounded, and accordingly, no access to the area is allowed until the bear has been tracked down.

"It's immense luck that nothing happened to our rescuers, as they came very close," GOPR spokesman Krzysztof Szczurek told Polish Radio.

The bear will regrettably have to be put to sleep, GOPR has concluded.

The 60-year-old man went missing on Saturday, and it is hoped that the search will be renewed later on Monday.