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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
On Tuesday, August 6, two hikers were violently attacked by several patous. In what circumstances did this attack occur? And above all, how can such an incident be avoided? Answers from Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
While walking in the town of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, in the Isère department, two hikers were attacked by several patous – these robust and muscular mountain dogs, used for protecting herds. How can such an incident be explained? And above all, how should you behave when you come across a herd protection dog? Answer.
Both victims were seriously injured.
While enjoying the joys of hiking in the open air, a couple of hikers – aged 27 and 28 – were suddenly attacked by several patou dogs.
According to information from the Dauphiné liberatedboth victims were bitten several times in a deep manner, while they were walking in an area frequented by experienced walkers.
Under the supervision of a doctor and a team from the High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon, the two young people were evacuated by helicopter to the southern unit of the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, located in Échirolles.
Although the exact circumstances of this incident have not yet been revealed, this news item – which is not an isolated case – raises questions.
In recent years, attacks by patou have increased
In the Chartreuse massif, in Savoie, on the Sornin plateau, in the Vercors… several accidents involving patous have been recorded in recent months.
On July 23, a hiker was bitten by a patou on the back of the thigh.
On July 21, a hiker attacked by several dogs of the same breed had to climb to the top of a tree to escape them. She was then rescued by a helicopter.
The patou is a large, robust and muscular dog, recognizable by its thick white fur. Renowned for its strength and loyalty, it is raised from a young age in contact with sheep in order to develop a strong protective moment towards them. It thus learns to consider the sheep as its “family” that it must protect.
Result? As soon as an individual approaches the sheep a little too closely, the patou reacts. How, in this context, can we react intelligently? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, gives us some advice and precautions.
“Avoid approaching herds and go around them widely if possible. Do not make sudden or domineering gestures or run, as this may encourage the dog to chase you. Do not attempt to pet or feed the dog or herd animals. Speak calmly so as not to startle the dog and let it identify you. Finally, do not look the dog in the eye to minimize the risk of attack,” he recommends.
Learn to spot the warning signs of a Patou attack as well:
- The Patou barks to warn of its presence and dissuade approach;
- The dog may freeze, indicating that it is assessing a potential threat;
- This may signal an intention to defend the herd;
- The dog can approach to identify the intruder.
You are now perfectly informed if you come across a patou on your way!