In the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an unexpected rescue has grown into a remarkable bond between a man and a bear. Petar Tubic, an electrician living on Mount Ozren, took in an abandoned bear cub in 2019 and raised her after finding her alone in the forest. Six years later, the bear, named Masa, weighs around 150 kilograms but continues to seek the closeness she enjoyed as a cub. An Associated Press report published on October 24, 2026, documented their unusual friendship, which has also transformed Tubic’s property into a haven for rescued wildlife. Coverage by Reuters Connect has similarly drawn attention to his growing family of animals.
From a vulnerable cub to a 150-kilogram bear
When Tubic found Masa in 2019, she weighed just two kilograms. Separated from her mother and left alone in the forest, the young bear was unlikely to survive without help. Tubic took her home, where he fed her milk and fruit and helped her regain her strength. What began as an act of compassion soon changed his everyday life. Caring for a bear was unfamiliar territory for the electrician, who had to learn how to meet the animal’s needs as she grew.Today, Masa is a powerful adult bear, yet some of her behaviour appears to reflect the bond formed during her earliest months. She still approaches Tubic affectionately and sometimes attempts to climb onto his lap, despite weighing roughly 150 kilograms. Their interactions can be playful, but her size makes them potentially dangerous. Even an affectionate movement from a bear can cause serious injury, and Tubic has experienced bruises and torn clothing during their encounters.
A friendship that changed an entire household
Masa is not the only bear living on Tubic’s property. He has also taken in another female bear, Ljubica, expanding the responsibilities that came with his first rescue. Over time, the property on Mount Ozren has developed into a refuge for animals that need care. Alongside the two bears, Tubic looks after wolves, deer, raccoons and numerous other animals.The growing collection has attracted visitors who want to see the animals and learn about the unusual relationship between Tubic and his bears. What was once a private act of rescue has consequently become a local attraction, bringing wider attention to his work. Tubic lives with his wife, Milica, and their nine-year-old daughter, Eva. Although he works as an electrician, his interests also include hiking, caving and paragliding. Animals, however, have become a central part of family life.
Why the bears may never return to the wild
Despite the affection between Tubic and the bears, their future presents a difficult question. He has considered releasing them into their natural habitat but worries that years of close contact with humans have made them too accustomed to people to live safely in the wild. For now, Masa and Ljubica remain on the family property, where Tubic continues to care for them. Their story has also drawn attention to the challenges of looking after wild animals rescued at a young age, particularly when they grow into powerful adults.A separate report by Anadolu Agency, published before the Associated Press account, documented how the refuge developed from a former paragliding base into a sanctuary for orphaned bears and other animals. The facility, known as Naša Maša, has become a destination for visitors interested in wildlife and animal care. The bond between Tubic and Masa may look like a story of an unusually affectionate animal, but it also reflects the lasting responsibilities that follow a rescue. A cub that once depended on milk and shelter has grown into a large wild animal whose needs require continued attention.For Tubic, the experience has brought him closer to a world he had not previously understood. His life changed when he took in a helpless cub, and the refuge that followed has given numerous animals a place to live. The relationship is extraordinary, but it is not without its risks. Bears remain powerful wild animals, even when raised around people, and their strength makes careful management essential. On Mount Ozren, the challenge is to sustain the bond while ensuring that the animals receive the care and protection they need.
