Romania seeks bear‑cull permits after fatal attacks and rising human‑bear conflicts

Two recent bear attacks in Romania's Transylvanian Bistrița‑Năsăud county left a 53‑year‑old woman dead and a cow killed, prompting local authorities to request a cull permit from the environmental ministry. Police opened a criminal investigation and ordered an autopsy, while the regional disaster‑relief committee noted the area is difficult to access and that bear sightings have increased.

The incidents come amid a surge in the country's brown bear population, now estimated at 10,000‑13,000 animals versus an optimal 4,000. Over the past five‑six years, bears have attacked humans more than 150 times, with over ten fatalities. In response, Romania's legislature approved a draft to double the annual hunting quota for bears.

Separately, in Vâlcea county, residents in Călimănești attempted to chase a bear with a shovel, recording the encounter. Police warned that confronting bears is extremely dangerous and urged the public to keep distance and call emergency services instead of trying to drive the animal away.