26-1-2024 (BANGKOK) A Swiss volunteer working for a wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao district suffered serious injuries after being attacked by an Asiatic black bear while feeding it in its enclosure on Thursday afternoon. To free himself from the bear’s grip, he resorted to using a knife to cut his right arm.
The incident took place within the compound of the foundation located in tambon Muang Ngai, in the northern province of Chiang Mai. Stefan Claudio Specogna, a 32-year-old volunteer, had reached his arm into the bear’s cage to feed it when the animal unexpectedly bit him and refused to let go.
In a state of shock and fearing for his life, Specogna made the difficult decision to use a knife to sever his arm, allowing him to escape from the bear’s attack. Witnesses to the incident quickly provided him with first aid before rushing him to Chiang Dao Hospital. His arm was severely damaged from the elbow down. He was later transferred to a private hospital in Muang district, Chiang Mai, where he underwent surgery. The missing portion of his arm was found in a torn condition.
According to reports, the Asiatic black bear had been legally entrusted to the care of the foundation. It was originally under the custody of Doi Pha Daeng National Park in Chiang Dao after getting lost in 2013. Due to certain circumstances, the foundation assumed responsibility for the care of the animal.
