Hikers sing to prevent bear attacks

Hikers in Switzerland are being told to fill the hills with the sound of music if they want to avoid being attacked by a bear.

Bears have been extinct in Switzerland for more than 100 years until one was spotted last week that is believed to have migrated into the country from neighbouring Italy.

Hikers have been told that they should sing as they go to make sure the bear is not taken by surprise. Leaflets have even been printed with popular tunes and urging people to keep the song going to avoid trouble.

Bear expert in Graubuenden Johann Wartl said: "I have been suggesting tunes from the Sound of Music because everyone knows them, and they somehow seem right for the area. I cant really see anyone objecting to hearing Edelweiss or The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Music here in the mountains."

Park ranger Peter Roth added the music was a good idea as the bear had already been surprised by several walkers. He said: "It's an interesting bear because it is not afraid of humans and this will probably only get worse because of the number of people who have come to see it."

Graubuenden officials said that since advising people to sing the bear had not been seen.

There are believed to be 70 Brown bears living in Italy, and some 25 in neighbouring Austria.

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