A fatal encounter unfolded on Tuesday morning when a motorcyclist, who has not been named, stopped at a prominent tourist location along the Transfagarasan road. The bear reportedly dragged him down an 80-meter ravine. Authorities confirmed that emergency responders found him deceased upon arrival, despite the victim being equipped with a helmet and protective gear. Ion Sanduloiu, head of the Arges County Mountain Rescue Service, stressed the importance of maintaining distance from wildlife, especially in areas where bear sightings are common. He advised, “Do not stop, do not feed them, and keep your distance,” referring to warning signs posted in the area.
Although the bear has not been euthanized, a probe into the incident is currently taking place. Romania hosts the largest brown bear population within the European Union, and encounters with humans have escalated in recent years. The increase in bear-related incidents has sparked debates regarding the need for updated regulations and investment in preventive measures.
Recent genetic analysis by Romania's environment ministry estimates the country's bear population to be between 10,400 and 12,800, a considerable rise from earlier figures. Former environment minister Mircea Fechet noted that the sustainable bear population should ideally be around 4,000. He proposed reforms to enable local authorities to act swiftly, potentially including the euthanization of bears that stray into urban spaces. Furthermore, the ministry intends to create risk zone maps to improve bear population management in an effort to balance wildlife preservation with community safety.
Gabriel Paun, founder of the environmental organization Agent Green, pointed to systemic issues within Romania's wildlife management as the root cause behind these tragic events. He argued that the problem lies in mismanagement rather than bear overpopulation, stating, “The recurring tragedies...result from tourists interacting with wildlife, insufficient actions by local authorities, and a lack of effective implementation of wildlife coexistence strategies by the government.”
Paun also raised concerns about the impact of climate change and human interference on the bear population, emphasizing Romania's unfortunate status as an international trophy hunting destination. Sanduloiu proposed stricter regulations, including heavier fines and potential jail time for those who feed the bears, as a necessary approach to prevent future fatalities.
