Romania’s parliament has approved the culling of nearly 500 bears this year to manage the protected species’ “overpopulation.” This decision follows the tragic death of 19-year-old hiker Maria Diana, who was fatally attacked by a bear during a hike with her boyfriend.
Teen mauled to death by bear in front of boyfriend while on hiking trip https://t.co/JjEsgB2Pke pic.twitter.com/UXkEXrsklE
— New York Post (@nypost) July 11, 2024
Reports indicate that the bear attacked Maria on the trail, dragged her into nearby vegetation, and ultimately dropped her into a chasm where it continued its attack. The bear was subsequently killed when it attempted to attack rescuers.
Romania hosts Europe’s largest brown bear population outside Russia, with approximately 8,000 bears. Over the past two decades, these bears have killed 26 people and severely injured 274 others. In response to the recent fatal attack, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called lawmakers back from their summer recess for an emergency session.
Romania’s new law authorises the killing of 481 bears in 2024 amid outcry after deadly attack on 19-year-old hiker.
🔗: https://t.co/CS95MRlWoO pic.twitter.com/WdD8VcVjC9
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 16, 2024
In this session, the parliament not only passed legislation to control the brown bear population but also held a moment of silence for the young hiker. The newly adopted law permits the culling of 481 bears in 2024, more than double the previous year’s total of 220. Lawmakers cited the bears’ “overpopulation” as a reason for increased attacks, though they acknowledged that the new law might not prevent future incidents.
Environmental groups have criticized the measure, arguing it is ineffective. World Wildlife Fund biologist Calin Ardelean stated that efforts should focus on “prevention and intervention,” and dealing with “problem bears.” WWF Romania also emphasized that culls won’t resolve the issue unless steps are taken to keep bears away from human communities, such as improved waste management and discouraging people from feeding bears.
Romanian authorities kill a bear that attacked and killed a tourist on a mountain trail
The woman was dragged by the bear into the wild
Her body was found later, mutilated
— Daily Romania (@daily_romania) July 10, 2024
In 2023, Romanian authorities recorded about 7,500 emergency calls regarding bear sightings, more than double the previous year’s number. Additionally, earlier this year in Slovakia, a woman was killed after being chased by a bear, highlighting the prevalence of bear-related incidents in regions with high bear populations.
Major Points:
- Romania to cull nearly 500 bears in 2024 following a fatal bear attack on a hiker.
- 19-year-old Maria Diana was killed by a bear while hiking, prompting national outrage.
- Romania has Europe’s largest brown bear population outside Russia, with about 8,000 bears.
- Parliament passed the culling legislation, admitting it won’t prevent future attacks.
- Environmentalists argue for better prevention and intervention methods over culling.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
