In a controversial move, Romania’s government has approved the culling of 481 bears this year, more than double the number culled last year. This decision comes in response to a deadly bear attack on a 19-year-old hiker that sparked outrage nationwide.
During an emergency meeting of parliament on Monday, lawmakers passed a new law aimed at controlling the “overpopulation” of bears in Romania. The shocking increase in the number of bears approved for culling has raised concerns among environmental groups.
The tragic death of the young hiker prompted Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to summon lawmakers back from their summer recess for the emergency session. This marked a somber moment of reflection as parliament also paid tribute to the victim of the recent bear attack.
According to Romania’s environment ministry, bears have killed 26 people and injured 274 others over the past two decades. The country is home to an estimated 8,000 bears, making it one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe outside of Russia.
Environmental experts warn that the root cause of human-bear conflicts lies in urbanization encroaching on bear habitats, as well as disruptions in the animals’ food sources due to climate change. Instead of focusing on culling, organizations like the World Wildlife Fund are advocating for preventative measures and improved waste management to mitigate these issues.
The debate over bear conservation and management in Romania continues as the government grapples with finding a solution to keep both residents and wildlife safe. Despite the controversy surrounding the increased culling, it remains to be seen whether this measure will effectively address the ongoing human-bear conflicts in the country.
