Bear Population in Romania Out of Control?

Attacks by bears on humans are said to be increasing in Romania — claim politicians and many media outlets.

The causes are man-made

Hunting associations are calling for high culling quotas. Yet the causes of conflict between bears and humans are primarily man-made. Statistically speaking, neither the number of bear attacks nor the damage caused by bears is on the rise.Perhaps the impression that bears are attacking more frequently arises because, for example, forestry activity is increasing. Two thirds of Europe’s remaining old-growth forests are located in Romania — in itself an ideal habitat for bears. Yet protected areas have been illegally logged for years.

Trophy hunting banned since 2016

Trophy hunting of predators such as bears and wolves was banned in Romania in 2016. Advocates of recreational hunting now speak of a population of over 10,000 bears. Opponents of bear hunting put the number at around 2,000 bears in the country.

Different interest groups juggle different figures that best suit their own objectives.

Csaba Domokos, Milvus environmental organisation

«We have no realistic, credible estimate of population size that has been determined using scientifically sound research methods», said bear expert Csaba Domokos.

Since the appointment of Environment Minister Barna Tanczos, who is also reported to be a hobby hunter, conservationists in Romania have been especially vigilant.

Bears and humans most often cross paths by accident. Humans are not on the bear’s menu. The bear simply wants to keep humans at a distance.