Romanian bear attacks kill two men, prompt EU protection status review

A 68‑year‑old farm worker was found dead near his workplace in Covasna County after what investigators believe was a lethal bear attack. The victim had been missing since Thursday, and police discovered his body with multiple injuries on Friday.

A week earlier, a 34‑year‑old man was killed on the outskirts of Prod in Sibiu County, also attributed to a bear. The incident sparked heightened alert in nearby Dumbrăveni, where another bear sighting was reported.

Romanian authorities are preparing an official request to the European Commission to amend the protection regime for the brown bear, arguing that the current status hampers effective population management amid a rise in human‑bear conflicts. Environmental groups and wildlife specialists are debating the proposal, with some urging better use of EU prevention funds.