Ibex attacks hiker at 2,900 meters altitude in the Trentino Alps

Mountain rescue teams responded and transported the injured woman by helicopter to the hospital in Cles. The woman's companion was then escorted back to his vehicle at the Tonale Pass by the rescue teams.

Background: The accident site at the Albiolo peak

The "Sentiero degli Austriaci" is an alpine high-altitude trail that runs along the border area between Trentino and Lombardy and leads hikers into high-alpine terrain. At an altitude of about 2,900 meters, ibex are to be expected, as they inhabit rocky regions near the tree line.

Encounters between hikers and ibex are not uncommon in the Alps, but are generally considered harmless. Male ibex can react particularly territorially during the rutting season in winter, but even outside this period, individual animals occasionally defend their immediate space.

Ibex in the Alps: Behavior and risks

The Trentino mountain rescue service warns hikers to always keep their distance from wild animals in rocky terrain above 2,500 meters and to remain calm and still when animals appear suddenly, rather than making jerky movements.

Regarding the current state of health of the 26-year-old, the authorities released no further details on Sunday evening. The mountain rescue service only confirmed transport to the hospital in Cles.

Current status and further measures

The incident is part of a series of rare but documented encounters between hikers and ibex in the Italian Alps. In South Tyrol and Trentino alone, several dozen incidents per year are recorded in which hikers are harmed by large wild animals.

The responsible authorities announced that the affected section of the high-altitude trail would be inspected in the coming days for possible additional animal caves and risk areas. Hikers are asked not to leave the marked trail and to pay attention to warning signs from the mountain rescue service.