A tragic incident occurred in Romania‘s Carpathian Mountains when a bear attacked and killed a motorcyclist on the Transfagarasan road, a popular tourist route. The victim stopped at a scenic spot near the Hotel Posada Vidraru, despite warning signs about bears in the area. The bear dragged the motorcyclist down a steep ravine, resulting in severe injuries that proved fatal during the attack.
Ion Sanduloiu, head of the Arges County Mountain Rescue Service, responded to the incident, saying, “Unfortunately, he was already dead when we arrived. The injuries were extremely severe. Even though he was wearing a helmet and full protective gear, it wasn’t enough.” Sanduloiu emphasized the importance of keeping a safe distance from bears, advising tourists not to stop, feed them, or take pictures.
The Romanian environment ministry estimates the country’s brown bear population to be between 10,400 and 12,800, significantly higher than previous counts. Former environment minister Mircea Fechet considered the optimal sustainable population to be around 4,000 bears, roughly one-third of the current estimate. Fechet proposed simplifying laws to allow local authorities to take immediate action, including euthanizing bears that enter residential areas.
Conservationists argue that the issue is not overpopulation but mismanagement of human-bear encounters. Gabriel Paun, founder of Agent Green, stated, “The recurring tragedies on the Transfagarasan road are the result of multiple failures: tourists stopping to interact with wild animals, local authorities not doing enough to drive bears back into the forest, and the national government failing to properly implement the national plan for coexistence between wildlife and humans.”
Sanduloiu believes stronger deterrents are necessary to prevent further incidents, suggesting “higher fines and even prison sentences for those who stop to feed the bears.” Romania has seen an increase in human-bear encounters, with almost 30 people killed by bears over the last two decades.
Key Facts:
- Bear Population: Estimated 10,400 to 12,800 brown bears in Romania
- Optimal Population: Former minister Mircea Fechet suggests 4,000 bears as optimal
- Fatalities: Almost 30 people killed by bears in Romania over the last two decades
- Incidents: Human-bear encounters on the rise due to habitat destruction and human behavior
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to balance conservation efforts with public safety.