Man in Bosnia and Herzegovina rescues and raises bear cub
Electrician Petar Tubic has turned his Mount Ozren property into a wildlife refuge after rescuing a bear cub in 2019.
Electrician Petar Tubic rescued an abandoned bear cub on Mount Ozren in 2019, according to a Times of India report. The cub, named Masa, weighed two kilograms when Tubic found her alone in the forest and fed her milk and fruit to help her regain strength.
Six years later, Masa weighs approximately 150 kilograms but still attempts to sit on Tubic's lap. While their interactions can be playful, the bear's size makes them potentially dangerous, and Tubic has experienced bruises and torn clothing during encounters.
Tubic has also taken in another female bear, Ljubica, and his property has become a refuge for wolves, deer, raccoons, and other animals. The facility, known as Naša Maša, was formerly a paragliding base and has become a destination for visitors.
Tubic, who lives with his wife Milica and daughter Eva, has considered releasing the bears into the wild. However, he expressed concern that years of close contact with humans may have made them too accustomed to people to live safely in their natural habitat.
The bears remain on the family property where Tubic continues to provide care. The story highlights the challenges of managing wild animals that were rescued at a young age and grew into powerful adults.