Bear attack kills man in Transylvania, Romania

A 34‑year‑old man was found dead after a brown bear mauling him at the entrance to the village of Küküllőprod in Transylvania on Saturday, the local rescue service said. The victim bore clear signs of a bear attack.

Mayor Nicolae Lazar of nearby Hoghilag noted that bear attacks have become more frequent in the region and that authorities have so far responded only with ad‑hoc measures. Recent incidents include a 53‑year‑old woman injured near Telciu and a 65‑year‑old lone hunter found dead near Farkaslaka, both likely victims of bears.

A recent genetic survey estimates Romania’s brown‑bear population between 10,419 and 12,770, far above the ecologically sustainable number of about 4,000. In response, the government in April approved a bill to double the annual hunting quota from 426 to 859 bears for 2026‑27, though the president placed a constitutional review on the legislation.