A new genetic census carried out by the Romanian Forest Research Institute revealed that the population of brown bears in the country could reach 13,000 individuals, a figure significantly higher than the previously estimated 8,000. The count, based on over 24,000 biological samples collected between 2022 and 2024 in 25 counties in the Carpathian Mountains, marks a change from previous methods based on tracks.
However, experts like Cristian Papp from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) question the reliability of the study due to the extended collection period, which differs from the usual standards for genetic censuses that are typically conducted over much shorter periods. Ancuta Fedorca, a spokesperson for the institute, justified the delay citing the large number of samples analyzed and the limited resources available for the process.
The controversy intensifies with statements from the Minister of the Environment, Mircea Fechet, who stated that he will request the European Commission to remove the protection status of the brown bear. According to the minister, the optimal population would be around 4,000 individuals and argued that greater intervention is necessary to prevent conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Environmental groups denounced the growing government leniency towards bear hunting. In 2023, the authorized quota was 426 individuals, despite restrictions imposed by the European Union. The tension between conservation and population control continues to grow in a country that hosts the largest brown bear population on the continent.
## The brown bear population is a problem for Romanian authorities
Romania, which hosts the largest population of bears in Europe outside of Russia, with around 8,000 individuals, faces coexistence issues with these animals. Faced with increasing incidents, the Romanian government recently authorized the culling of 500 bears, a decision that, like in Slovakia, was heavily criticized by environmental groups.
The conflict between wildlife protection and community safety continues to generate debate in Europe as governments seek solutions that balance both priorities.
Source: Euronews.
