Romania's government has taken a contentious step by more than doubling the number of bears authorized for culling in 2024, following a tragic incident where a 19-year-old hiker was fatally mauled in the Carpathian Mountains. The new law, passed urgently in a parliamentary session, permits the culling of 481 bears, a significant increase from the 220 bears culled last year.
The decision, which includes a moment of silence in remembrance of the victim, underscores the severity of bear-human conflicts in Romania. The country hosts up to 8,000 brown bears, Europe's largest population outside Russia, with incidents resulting in 26 deaths and 274 injuries over the past two decades, as reported by Romania’s environment ministry.
Environmental groups have vehemently opposed the measure, arguing that it fails to address the root causes of bear incursions into populated areas. Wildlife experts warn that urban sprawl and climate change are driving bears closer to human settlements in search of food, exacerbating conflicts. The World Wildlife Fund and other conservationists advocate for preventive measures and improved waste management to mitigate human-bear interactions.
The debate over Romania's bear cull reflects broader concerns about balancing conservation with public safety. Foundation Conservation Carpathia emphasizes the need for comprehensive data on bear populations and ecological limits, suggesting that annual fluctuations in bear incidents do not correlate linearly with bear densities.
Authorities face significant challenges in safeguarding communities and tourists in mountainous regions, where bear sightings and interactions are frequent. Incidents such as bears scavenging for food along roadsides and attacking livestock are regularly reported in local media, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
Despite criticisms, Romania's government defends the cull as necessary to manage bear populations responsibly and protect public welfare. The final impact of this controversial decision awaits further assessment as stakeholders continue to debate the long-term strategies needed to ensure both bear conservation and human safety in Romania.
