Brașov enforces tighter waste rules to deter bears entering the city

Municipal authorities in Brașov, led by Vice‑Mayor Dan Ghiță, have introduced stricter waste‑management measures after a series of bear sightings in residential districts. The city’s operative team identified food waste left on "eco‑islands", near collection platforms and in street bins as the main attractant for bears. New rules require waste collection to be completed by 21:00 in hotspot areas, prohibit residents from leaving bags of refuse after that hour, and mandate earlier removal of street bins.

Local police will sanction individuals, property owners and businesses that leave waste unsecured, and will increase patrols in districts such as Răcădău, Noua, Sprenghi and Șchei. The municipality also ordered the clearing of dense vegetation and fruit‑bearing trees in public spaces of nearby Odorheiu Secuiesc to eliminate hiding places for the animals. So far, ten bears have been captured and relocated, but officials warn that the problem will persist unless food sources are eliminated. Ghiță warned, "Este foarte clar că nu trebuie să lăsăm resturile alimentare în zona platformelor de gunoi" and urged citizens to cooperate with the new regulations.