The barking of dogs prompts owners to rescue them from the Swiss avalanche, Europe News & Top Stories

VIENNA (REUTERS) – Two people trapped in an avalanche in Switzerland were rescued after their dogs barked for help, which caught the attention of nearby snowshoe hikers who were able to dig them up, Rega ambulance service said on Sunday (January 31st) with.

The avalanche swept the couple shortly after 3 p.m. (1400 GMT) on Saturday from a hiking trail in the Avers Valley in southwest Switzerland near the Italian border and west of St. Moritz, Rega said in a statement.

“Their dogs, who were not buried by the snow masses, drew attention to themselves by barking loudly,” the statement said.

“The dogs caught the attention of a group of snowshoes that were some distance away in the same valley but hadn’t seen the avalanche.”

About 15 to 20 minutes after the avalanche, the group was at the scene where one of the avalanche victims’ hands was visible. The other person was completely buried, Rega said.

Both were slightly injured and dug out with mild hypothermia. Rega then flew them to the hospital by helicopter.

Rega did not say how many dogs were involved or what breed they were.