This may be the most dangerous, and possibly most expensive, selfie of all time.
Spanish police are searching for a man who took a selfie Friday during Pamplona’s annual Running of the Bulls that depicts a two bulls only a few feet behind him. Those who choose to participate in the dangerous event are strictly prohibited from taking any sort of photo or video, a rule meant to discourage runners from taking unnecessary risks.
According to Spain-based The Local, the punishment for taking a photo or video during the event is a €3,000 (about $4,100) fine. At least three people have been hit with this hefty fine this year. Clearly, live tweeting the event is a significantly more economical option.
Jose Luis Vadillo of Spanish newspaper El Mundo called the selfie, “One of the best examples of human stupidity I’ve ever seen.”
While the selfie was undeniably dangerous, some might consider simply participating in an event where the objective is to escape getting gored to death by a 1,100-pound animal with razor sharp horns stupid in itself. Despite the event’s tremendous risk, only 15 runners have been killed since officials started keeping track in 1911.
At least five people have been gored this year, including American Bill Hillmann, who co-authored a book entitled “Fiesta: How to Survive the Bulls of Pamplona.” A bull put a horn completely through Hillmann’s thigh, which probably did not help his book sales.