Eton schoolboy found polar bear footprints days before death, inquest hears

An Eton student found polar bear footprints days before he was mauled to death by one of the animals during an adventure holiday, an inquest heard.

Horatio Chapple, 17, of Wiltshire, was on a trip with the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) when he was attacked by the bear in August 2011.

He was sleeping in his tent went the bear pounced and inflicted fatal injuries, while four others were hurt.

Lauren Beech, of Essex, said authorities warned of increased polar bear activity in recent months and Mr Chapple found the print on August 3.

She said: "That was the day that Horatio noticed the prints of the polar bear. We were advised by the leader they were approximately two to four days old and they were facing in the direction of base camp.

"I remember there was more than one there, one was very distinct and I remember several of us taking photos with this print."

She added: “I had heard rumours another group had seen a polar bear but I was aware of the fact that apparently there had been a warning issued by the authorities in Svalbard that there was heightened activity of bear but I wasn't aware of that."

She questioned the leaders actions of asking the group whether it was appropriate to set up a bear-watch, rather than make the decision themselves.