Hikers in the easternmost region of Switzerland have been warned that they may be given an unexpected greeting, in the form of a brown bear, in the coming weeks.
A hunter alerted the authorities after spotting the bear last Wednesday near Susch. According to the Corriere del Ticino newspaper, a number of sheep were found dead or injured in the lower Engadine valley, home to the only Swiss National Park and other tourist destinations.
About a year ago, a bear identified as M2 was spotted in the area and was believed to have later headed to the Italian alpine region of South Tirol. Officials say it is not clear whether the newly spotted bear is the same one. They said farmers and beekeepers in the area have been alerted.
Brown bears sightings in Switzerland are rare but still happen sporadically, with most animals believed to wander into the country from neighbouring Italy.
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