Bear cubs to be relocated to sanctuary after mother killed over fatal attack on Romania’s Transfăgărășan

Update: Representatives of the AMP Libearty sanctuary said on social media that the bear cubs left orphaned after their mother was shot on the Transfăgărășan have not been found and are not under the center’s care. “It is extremely important that they are found as soon as possible, as their health is surely in serious danger after so many days without their mother, without food, and without protection,” reads the message shared on Facebook on Tuesday evening, July 8.

“The AMP Libearty sanctuary is ready to take them in and care for them for life, if the cubs are still alive and are found in time,” the source said, adding that both volunteers and local authorities have been trying to locate them.

Initial story: The three bear cubs left orphaned after their mother was shot and killed following the deadly attack on the Transfăgărășan mountain road last week are to be taken in by a wildlife rehabilitation center in Zărnești, Romania's Environment Ministry announced.

The female bear attacked and killed a motorcyclist on the Transfăgărășan last Thursday after the man had gotten off his bike to feed and photograph the animal despite the warning signs posted along the popular tourist road. The victim's body was recovered from a ravine, while the wild animal was later identified and shot.

After the female bear was euthanized, the presence of three cubs in the area was confirmed. According to the legislation, when a female bear is removed, any orphaned cubs must be urgently relocated to specialized care facilities.

The Environment Ministry stated that it had formally requested the Argeș Forest Directorate to finalize the rescue operation on July 7, stressing that the cubs' safety and welfare must be ensured.

"We welcome the willingness of the bear rehabilitation center in Zărnești, managed by the "Millions of Friends" Association, to take in and care for the cubs. The presence of such a responsible and well-prepared partner is essential for rapid and effective interventions," the ministry said.

The Environment Ministry added that it would continue to monitor the case and called on local authorities to act promptly and in full compliance with wildlife protection laws.

Bear encounters are not unusual in mountain areas of Romania, as the country is home to a large population of brown bears. In April, the Ministry of Environment shared