Petar Tubic cares for rescued bear Masa on Mount Ozren

Petar Tubic and Masa on Mount Ozren

Petar Tubic, an electrician living on Mount Ozren in Bosnia and Herzegovina, found an abandoned bear cub named Masa in 2019 and raised her after discovering her alone in the forest, The Times of India reported. When Tubic first took the young bear home, she weighed just two kilograms, or roughly 4.4 pounds. Separated from her mother, the cub was unlikely to survive without human intervention. Tubic fed her milk and fruit to help her regain her strength, setting off an unusual relationship that has continued for seven years.

Six years later, Masa weighs about 150 kilograms, or 330 pounds, but continues to seek the physical closeness she experienced as a cub. The Associated Press reported that she still approaches Tubic affectionately and occasionally attempts to climb onto his lap. While their interactions often involve play, the bear’s immense size creates potential hazards. Tubic noted that even harmless play can leave him with torn clothing or bruises, adding that a single push from her paw could knock someone out.

Wildlife Refuge Expansion on Mount Ozren

Masa is no longer the only wild resident on the property. Over time, the electrician’s homestead has grown into a sanctuary for animals in need of care. Alongside the two bears, Tubic looks after wolves, deer, raccoons, and numerous other rescued creatures, sharing the daily responsibilities with his wife, Milica, and their nine-year-old daughter, Eva. Anadolu Agency reported that the facility, known as Naša Maša, developed from a former paragliding base into a dedicated destination for visitors interested in wildlife.

The growing collection of animals has turned Tubic’s property into a local tourist draw. Visitors frequently arrive to see the bears and other rescued wildlife firsthand. Despite the public interest, Tubic maintains a close personal connection to the animals. “People often say that they are my pets, but I would turn that around and say I am more of a pet to them,” Tubic told The Associated Press. He noted that the animals shaped his life just as he shaped theirs, opening his eyes to a world he had previously ignored.

Family Considers Releasing Bears into the Wild

The long-term future of the bears presents difficult questions for the family. Tubic has considered releasing Masa and Ljubica back into their natural habitat, but he worries that their familiarity with humans would leave them vulnerable in the wild. A lack of fear toward people can cause bears to rely on humans for food, raising the risk of dangerous encounters. For now, both bears remain on the family property.

Rehabilitating and releasing wildlife that grows accustomed to humans remains a complex challenge for sanctuaries. Animals separated from their mothers at a young age often lose vital survival skills necessary for foraging and self-defense. Without those instincts, returning to the wild can prove fatal. Tubic continues to manage the daily care for the animals on Mount Ozren, balancing the risks of their immense strength with the deep bond formed during their infancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mount Ozren Bears

How much did Masa weigh when she was rescued in 2019?

Masa weighed just two kilograms, or about 4.4 pounds, when Petar Tubic found her abandoned alone in the forest on Mount Ozren.

What other animals live at the Mount Ozren sanctuary?

Alongside Masa and Ljubica, Tubic looks after wolves, deer, raccoons, and several other rescued animals on his family property.

How does Masa’s size affect her daily interactions with Tubic?

Masa now weighs approximately 150 kilograms, or 330 pounds, and her affectionate attempts to climb into Tubic’s lap can cause bruises or torn clothing during play.