Italian Tourist Mauled to Death by Bear in Romania After Taking Selfie with Cub

Italian motorcyclist Omar Farang Zin was mauled to death by a bear in Romania on Thursday after posing for a selfie with its cub

A 49-year-old Italian motorcyclist was mauled to death by a bear in Romania on Thursday after reportedly stopping to take a selfie with the animal's cub during a trip through the Carpathian Mountains. The victim, identified as Omar Farang Zin, was traveling through the Arges region when he was attacked and dragged into a ravine by the bear.

According to a joint statement from police and emergency services, other tourists alerted authorities after witnessing the attack. Rescue teams launched an hour-long search before discovering Omar’s lifeless body.

Just a day before the tragic incident, the motorcyclist had posted pictures of a bear, which appeared to be stood dangerously close to him

Just a day prior to the fatal encounter, Omar had posted a series of images on social media showing his close proximity to wild bears. In one photo, he is seen smiling while posing for a selfie with a bear cub—apparently unaware of the imminent danger. Another video shows him riding his motorcycle and casually commenting on a bear spotted by the roadside. “Here’s the bear! How beautiful. It’s coming towards me,” he can be heard saying.

Romanian officials later confirmed that the bear responsible for the attack had been euthanized.

Omar, known among friends as a passionate traveler and motorcycle enthusiast, had reportedly worked at Milan Malpensa Airport before his death. His sudden and violent death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. Friends described him as “everyone’s friend” and remembered him for his warmth and adventurous spirit. “Goodbye Omar, I will always remember you with a smile,” one tribute read.

Omar was described by Italian media as an adventurous travel enthusiast

This incident is the latest in a string of deadly bear encounters in Romania. Last year, a 19-year-old girl was killed while hiking in the Bucegi Mountains when a bear dragged her from a trail and threw her 330 feet down a cliff in front of her boyfriend. Rescuers later found the bear circling her body.

Romania has one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe, with an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 animals, according to recent DNA-based studies. Bear sightings are frequent, and the country has recorded nearly 30 bear-related fatalities over the past 20 years, according to the environment ministry.

The tourist shared images and videos of his bear sightings prior to his death

The growing number of human-bear conflicts has prompted authorities to take more aggressive measures. In 2023, Romania’s parliament doubled the annual bear culling quota to 481 in an effort to manage the population and remove problem animals accustomed to entering populated areas in search of food.

Experts warn that bear attacks have increased largely due to human encroachment into bear habitats, driven by deforestation, construction, and climate change. In addition, poorly managed trash disposal and open food waste on the outskirts of cities have increasingly attracted bears.

Wildlife conservationists argue that the government has not done enough to implement effective prevention strategies such as electric fencing, improved waste control, and public education campaigns to reduce risky human interactions with wild animals.