Romanian Senate re-passes law authorizing brown bear hunting

The Romanian Senate has re-passed a law authorizing the hunting of 859 brown bears for the years 2026 and 2027. This legislative action follows a previous rejection by the head of state, who had sent the bill back to Parliament for review.

Under the new regulations, the annual quota is set at 859 bears, a change from the previous limit of 426. Additionally, the number of permitted emergency hunts will double from 55 to 110. The RMDSZ, the group proposing the measure, stated that the goal is to protect human life and agricultural activities by managing an overpopulated bear population through scientifically based regulation.

While environmental organizations have criticized the bill, the Parliament has moved it forward to the presidential office for promulgation. Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Barna Tánczos noted that the delay caused by the presidential review process hindered the implementation of necessary population control measures.