Italian motorcyclist, 48, poses for selfie with bear in Romania, posts it, gets mauled to death a day later

An Italian tourist, who was on holiday in Romania, died after he was dragged down a steep ravine by a bear on Jul. 3 while touring the country's mountain regions.

Omar Farang Zin, 48, was riding his motorcycle around the area and was seen taking a selfie with a bear cub just a day before the incident.

Police and emergency services reported that a man was dragged down a steep ravine with an elevation drop of around 80m (27 floors) and was found dead at the scene, according to international media.

Other news outlets later identified the man as Zin.

His injuries were described as "extremely severe".

He was wearing a helmet and full protective gear at the time but it was not enough, BBC reported.

Some media outlets have reported his age as 49 years old.

Selfie with a bear cub just a day before the attack

In a Facebook post apparently put up a day before the incident, Zin shared several videos and photos of brown bears, including a selfie with one roaming in the background.

The caption showed him marvelling at the bears, as well as the scenic mountainous region.

According to a Romanian news outlet, Observator News, the director of the Arges Forestry Directorate, Armand Chiriloiu, said Zin had offered the bear food before the incident.

Video footage recovered from his phone also showed Zin filming the bear approaching.

When the attack occurred, other motorcyclists at the scene immediately called for emergency services.

Officials struggled to contain the bear due to its agitated nature.

The bear was later shot dead.

Romania home to the largest brown bear population

Romania has the largest brown bear population in the European Union, which is estimated to be around 10,000 to 13,000.

According to the local environment ministry, nearly 30 people have been killed by bears in Romania over the past two decades.

Top image via Omar Farang Zin/Facebook