Motorcyclist Killed in Romanian Bear Attack Amidst Growing Concerns

Emergency service officials have confirmed that a motorcyclist was killed in a bear attack in Romania's Carpathian Mountains. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the country due to its significant brown bear population.

Romania is home to the largest brown bear population within the European Union, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 13,000 bears. Authorities have long struggled to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists in the mountainous regions.

Police and emergency services reported that tourists alerted them to the attack, which took place on the Transfagarasan road in Arges county. The bear reportedly dragged the motorcyclist down a ravine. No information regarding the identity of the victim was released.

Over the past two decades, nearly 30 people have been killed by bears in Romania, according to the environment ministry. Bear sightings are frequent, and local media regularly reports on attacks involving both people and livestock. In response to the growing concerns, the Romanian parliament doubled the annual bear kill quota to 481 in 2024. This measure aims to control the bear population and remove animals that have become accustomed to entering urban areas in search of food.

The recent attack follows another fatal incident just a week prior, where a 19-year-old hiker died after a bear attack on a popular trail in the Carpathian mountains. The teenager contacted emergency services during the attack. Her boyfriend recounted the terrifying experience to search and rescue teams, describing the bear's pursuit and the tragic events that unfolded.

Wildlife experts attribute the increase in bear attacks to human behavior, including the shrinking of the animals' habitats due to construction, logging, and climate change. Bears are also drawn to rubbish dumps and discarded food sources near cities. Experts have criticized the lack of sufficient prevention measures, such as electric fences and improved waste management, to mitigate these risks.