Bulgarian Tourist Injured in Bear Attack on Romania’s ‘Bear Road’

Georgi Bizhev, a 46‑year‑old tourist from Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, was attacked by a bear while driving through the popular “Bear Road” area of Romania on his way to a football match in Budapest. Witness footage shows the animal leaping onto his car’s hood, breaking the windshield; Bizhev credits his seat‑belt and quick reaction for avoiding more serious injuries. He was hospitalized in Romania and later continued recovery in Bulgaria, with doctors estimating a three‑to‑four‑month recuperation period.

Bizhev said the region is known for tourists feeding bears, a practice he believes contributes to such encounters. Romanian police questioned him and confiscated his phone, though he claims he has no video of the attack. He covered all medical expenses himself and noted the incident sparked a strong reaction on social media.