In a heartbreaking incident, a man lost his life after being attacked by a bear while riding his motorcycle in Romania's stunning Carpathian Mountains. The tragic event occurred on Tuesday morning at a well-known tourist stop along the Transfagarasan road. Authorities revealed that the bear dragged the victim approximately 80 meters down a steep ravine. "Unfortunately, he was already dead when we arrived," stated Ion Sanduloiu, head of the Arges County Mountain Rescue Service. Despite wearing protective gear, his injuries were described as "extremely severe." Sanduloiu advised visitors to avoid stopping, feeding the bears, and to always maintain a safe distance.
The bear in question has not yet been euthanized, as investigations are underway. Romania boasts the largest population of brown bears in the EU, with a recent survey estimating their numbers between 10,400 and 12,800—far exceeding sustainable levels. Former Environment Minister Mircea Fechet has advocated for streamlined laws to empower local authorities in managing bear encounters, including euthanizing problematic bears.
Conservationists argue that the root of the issue lies in poor wildlife management rather than mere overpopulation. Gabriel Paun, of environmental NGO Agent Green, pointed out that ineffective local and national strategies are leading to dangerous interactions between bears and tourists. He further warned that the bears are up against numerous threats, including habitat loss and climate change, as Romania attracts international trophy hunters. Sanduloiu insists that harsher penalties are necessary to prevent future tragedies, urging for stricter regulations against feeding bears.
