Covasna farmers report significant crop damage from bears and crows

Farmers in Covasna County, Romania, are reporting significant agricultural damage caused by both bears and crows. Koszma Bela, director of the Covasna Agricultural Directorate, noted that crows are particularly destructive to potato, corn, and sunflower crops. He observed that crows often dig up potatoes out of curiosity without consuming them, leading to substantial losses.

Last year, 492 official reports were filed regarding damage caused by birds and wild animals. While hunting quotas for crows exist, the large number of birds makes mitigation difficult.

Additionally, Tamas Sandor, president of the Covasna County Council, stated that the brown bear population in the region has doubled over the last decade, growing from approximately 1,200 specimens in 2016 to an estimated 2,400. This increase in wildlife has led to a corresponding rise in crop destruction.