BUCHAREST – Romania’s parliament has approved the culling of nearly 500 bears this year to manage what officials deem an “overpopulation” of the protected species, following public outcry triggered by a fatal bear attack on a 19-year-old hiker.
Last week, local reports detailed the tragic incident involving Maria Diana, who was fatally attacked while hiking with her boyfriend.
Sabin Corniou, head of Romania’s mountain rescue services, described how the bear dragged Diana off the trail and into a chasm, where she tragically died. Subsequently, the bear was euthanized after attempting to attack rescuers.
Romania hosts Europe’s largest brown bear population outside Russia, estimated at 8,000 bears according to the environment ministry.
Over the past two decades, bears have killed 26 people and injured 274 others in the country.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu recalled lawmakers from their summer break for an emergency session, resulting in legislation authorizing the culling of 481 bears this year, more than double the previous year’s total.
Environmental groups like the World Wildlife Fund have criticized the move, arguing that culling alone does not address the root causes of bear-human conflicts.
They advocate for preventive measures such as better waste management and addressing problem bears. Despite the legislation, concerns persist about the effectiveness of culling as a long-term solution.
