Chick Recovered After Bear Attack on Transfăgărășan Highway

Bear Cub Rescued After mother Killed in Romanian Motorcyclist Attack

Argeș County, Romania – One of three bear cubs whose mother was fatally shot by authorities following a deadly attack on an Italian motorcyclist has been successfully rescued and is now under care at the Rehabilitation Center for Orphans in Zărnești, the Romanian Ministry of Environment announced Thursday.

The cub, estimated to be five months old, was discovered by the Argeș Forestry Directorate after a week-long search following the tragic incident on the Transfăgărășan highway near the Vidraru dam. Ministry officials confirmed the cub was captured without incident and is currently described as “extremely weak, hungry, and scared, but alive” by the Liberty Sanctuary in Zărnești, where it will be rehabilitated.

Forestry teams are continuing efforts to locate the remaining two cubs. The urgency of the search is underscored by the cubs’ young age and inability to survive independently.”Every minute matters for chicks only five months old and all we can hope for is that they are found alive. I don’t know how to defend themselves,to survive alone,” a statement from the Liberty Sanctuary read.

The mother bear was killed after attacking and fatally injuring a 38-year-old Italian motorcyclist on July 3rd. According to Salvamont Argeș, the man had stopped to photograph the bear and her cubs when the animal became aggressive, dragging him down a steep slope.

The Rising Threat of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Romania

This incident is the latest in a series of bear attacks in the region,raising serious concerns about increasing human-wildlife conflict in Romania. Just weeks prior, in late May, both a Polish and a Spanish tourist sustained injuries in seperate bear encounters in the same area.

Experts attribute the escalating conflicts to a combination of factors, including a growing bear population, habitat loss, and, critically, the purposeful feeding of bears by people. Ion Sanduloiu of Salvamont Argeș emphasized that repeated feeding desensitizes bears to humans and encourages them to associate people with food, ultimately leading to dangerous encounters.

“bears become habituated to human presence and lose their natural fear,” explains wildlife biologist Dr. Elena Popescu. “This, coupled with increasing encroachment of human activity into bear habitats, creates a volatile situation.”

Long-Term Solutions Needed

The Romanian government faces a complex challenge in balancing the need to protect its wildlife with the safety of its citizens and tourists. While lethal control, as was employed in this case, remains a controversial option, conservationists advocate for a multi-pronged approach:

Strict Enforcement of Anti-Feeding Laws: Eliminating access to human food sources is paramount.
Habitat Preservation and Connectivity: Maintaining and expanding bear habitats is crucial for reducing conflict.
Public Education: Raising awareness about bear behavior and safety precautions is essential for both residents and visitors.
Non-Lethal Deterrence Methods: Investing in and deploying bear-resistant waste containers, electric fences, and other deterrents can help prevent encounters.
* Improved Monitoring and Management: Tracking bear populations and movements allows for proactive management strategies.

The fate of the remaining two cubs remains uncertain, but their rescue, along with the ongoing care of the first, serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. This incident underscores the urgent need for complete and enduring solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and ensure the long-term survival of both species.

what factors contributed to the bear attack on the Transfăgărășan Highway?

The Incident: A Close Encounter on Romania’s Scenic Route

On July 8th,2025,a young female traveler,identified only as “Ana” to protect her privacy,experienced a harrowing encounter with a brown bear while hiking near the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania. The incident occurred approximately 2 kilometers from Bâlea Lake, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning alpine scenery. Initial reports indicated Ana was attacked while photographing wildflowers off the main road. the attack resulted in notable lacerations and puncture wounds, primarily to her arms and legs.

This incident highlights the increasing potential for human-wildlife conflict in areas where natural habitats intersect with popular tourist routes.The Transfăgărășan, famed as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, attracts thousands of visitors annually, inadvertently increasing the risk of encounters with local wildlife, including bears.

Immediate Response & Rescue operations

Following the attack, Ana was able to activate her emergency beacon, alerting local mountain rescue services (Salvamont). the response was swift, with a team reaching her location within 45 minutes via ATV and helicopter support due to the challenging terrain.

First Aid: Salvamont personnel administered immediate first aid, stabilizing Ana and controlling the bleeding.

Evacuation: She was airlifted to Sibiu County clinical Emergency Hospital, the nearest major medical facility equipped to handle severe trauma injuries.

Bear Behavior: Local authorities initiated a search for the bear, focusing on tracking its movements and assessing any potential threat to other hikers. Initial assessments suggest the bear was a young adult male, likely surprised by Ana’s presence.

Ana’s Recovery & Medical Updates

As of July 10th, 2025, Ana is reported to be in stable condition at Sibiu County Clinical Emergency Hospital. Hospital spokesperson Dr.Elena Popescu confirmed that Ana underwent surgery to repair the extensive tissue damage caused by the bear attack.

Injuries: The primary injuries included deep lacerations and puncture wounds, with nerve and muscle damage to both arms. Leg injuries were less severe but required extensive stitching.

Treatment: Ana is receiving intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection, along with pain management and physiotherapy.

Prognosis: Doctors are optimistic about her full recovery, though anticipate a lengthy rehabilitation process. Full mobility in her arms is expected to return, but may require ongoing therapy for several months.

Understanding Brown Bear Behavior in Romania

Romania boasts one of the largest brown bear populations in europe, estimated at over 17,000 individuals. While generally shy and avoiding human contact,bears can become aggressive if:

1. Surprised: Unexpected encounters,especially with cubs,can trigger a defensive response.
2. Food-Motivated: Bears may be attracted to areas with accessible food sources, such as improperly stored garbage or picnic leftovers.
3. Protecting Cubs: Mother bears are fiercely protective of their young and will attack if they perceive a threat.
4. Habituated: Bears that become accustomed to human presence and food sources may lose their natural fear and become bolder.

Safety Tips for Hiking in Bear Country – Transfăgărășan & Beyond

the Transfăgărășan Highway and surrounding areas are prime bear habitat. following these safety guidelines can substantially reduce the risk of an encounter:

Make Noise: Talk loudly, sing, or use a bear bell while hiking to alert bears to your presence.

Travel in Groups: Bears are less likely to approach larger groups of people.

Be Aware of Surroundings: Pay attention to signs of bear activity, such as tracks, scat, or claw marks on trees.

Carry Bear Spray: Bear spray is a highly effective deterrent, but know how to use it properly.

Store Food Properly: Use bear-resistant canisters or hang food from a tree, at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk.

**Avoid Hiking at Dawn &