Romania increases annual brown bear hunting quota to nearly 1,000

brown bear population hunting quotas wildlife management biodiversity conservation EU environmental regulations

Romania has implemented a new law significantly increasing the annual quota for brown bear hunting. President Nicușor Dan signed the legislation, which more than doubles the previous limit from 426 to nearly 1,000 bears per year. The new regulations include a prevention quota of 859 bears and an intervention quota of 110 bears to address human-wildlife conflicts.

Proponents of the law, including the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), argue the measure is necessary to protect citizens and agriculture, citing population estimates between 10,000 and 13,000 bears. However, environmental groups such as WWF Romania have challenged these figures and warned of potential biodiversity damage and increased poaching.

The law includes specific restrictions, such as prohibiting the hunting of females accompanied by cubs under two years old. Animal welfare organizations have called on the European Commission to review the legality of the measure, suggesting it may violate EU nature conservation regulations.