Tourists in this European country have been warned not to take stupid selfies

Zagreb: Croatia`s mountain rescue service has urged tourists to stop putting themselves in danger taking "stupid and dangerous selfies", after a Canadian man was almost killed falling down a 75-metre cliff.

"Dear tourists, we respect you. It`s time for you to start respecting yourself. So, stop making stupid and dangerous selfies. Thank you," the service said on Twitter.

The appeal came after the young Canadian plunged off a 75-metre (250-foot) viewpoint in the Plitvice Lakes national park while trying to take the perfect selfie.

The 20-year-old miraculously survived, as tree branches broke his fall, but he sustained serious injuries, police said.

Last year a 54-year-old Slovak tourist was killed when she fell from a rock in the same national park, also while trying to take a photo.

Tourism is a key sector of Croatia`s economy, and last year the country of 4.2 million people welcomed more than 14 million visitors, with most heading to its pristine Adriatic coast.