Tourist Freezes as Bear Cub Walks Right Up to Him on Romania's Famous Mountain Road
A dramatic video from Romania's famous Transfăgărășan Highway is spreading across social media after capturing a tourist's terrifyingly close encounter with a bear cub.
The young bear approached within inches of the man, who escaped to safety at the very last moment. The viral footage has sparked countless reactions online, while Romanian authorities are once again warning about the growing number of dangerous encounters with bears.
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According to foreign media reports, the incident took place on one of Romania's most famous mountain roads, where bears are increasingly approaching tourists. The video was filmed by a passing driver who noticed the dangerous situation and recorded it on a mobile phone.
The Bear Sniffed Him While He Stood Frozen
The footage shows a man standing beside the road as a bear cub quietly approaches him from behind. The animal walks directly up to his legs and begins sniffing him, while the man initially shows almost no reaction.
It remains unclear whether he failed to notice the bear or deliberately chose to stay still. At one point, the cub even appears to gently bite his leg before the driver filming the scene slowly moves his vehicle closer in an attempt to scare the animal away.
Only then does the man sprint back toward his vehicle and manage to reach safety. According to foreign media, he escaped the encounter without injuries.
Viral Video Sparks Jokes, Officials Warn of Real Danger
The video quickly generated humorous reactions across social media. Some users joked that the tourist had "the survival instincts of a potato," while others quipped that even the bear seemed confused by his lack of reaction.
Despite the jokes, Romanian authorities stress that encounters like this should never be taken lightly. Romanian Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu said many bears living near roads have lost their natural fear of humans because visitors have been feeding them for years.
"These bears approach people because they have become accustomed to receiving food from them over time," the minister warned.
Where There's a Cub, the Mother May Be Nearby
Wildlife experts also warn that encountering a bear cub can be especially dangerous, as its mother is often close by and will defend her young immediately if she senses a threat.
If you encounter a bear, the safest approach is to keep your distance, never feed the animal, and avoid approaching it for photos or videos.
