Bear attacks on Transfăgărășan injure Portuguese couple and Ukrainian tourist

Three tourists were seriously injured after bear attacks on Romania's Transfăgărășan mountain road. A 63‑year‑old Portuguese woman tried to take a selfie with a bear and was bitten on the back, while her 52‑year‑old husband was wounded on his limbs. Shortly after, an 18‑year‑old Ukrainian woman who attempted to feed a bear was bitten on the leg, fell and fractured her hand. All victims were taken to Curtea de Argeș Hospital for treatment.

Local authorities warned that reckless behavior such as feeding or approaching bears puts both people and emergency services at risk. An emergency ordinance now allows fines of 10,000‑30,000 lei and authorises the shooting of aggressive bears. Hospital manager Andreea Gheordunescu stressed the need for tourists to avoid such actions, saying the incidents could be prevented with common sense.

A witness described the Ukrainian woman's panic: “Părea foarte panicată… am sunat imediat la 112.” Environmental specialist Ioan Bădescu added, “Nu avem nevoie de adrenalină stupidă, pentru că asta nu este o metodă prin care să faci turism.”