Romania's brown bear population, previously estimated at under 8,000, has been reassessed to nearly 13,000 based on DNA analysis of bear samples from the Carpathians. This stark increase has led to significant concerns, as bear attacks on humans have increased, prompting the government to double the authorized cull of the species in response to over 7,500 emergency calls about bear sightings in 2023. Environmentalists argue for improved community prevention measures rather than culling, emphasizing the need for strategies to keep bears away from populated areas.
According to environment ministry figures, bears have killed 26 people and severely injured 274 others over the past 20 years in Romania.
The government more than doubled its authorized cull of brown bears to 481 after recording over 7,500 emergency calls about bear sightings in 2023.
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