Tragic Bear Attack on Romania’s Transfagarasan Road Highlights Wildlife Safety Concerns

 

A motorcyclist lost his life after a bear attack in Romania’s picturesque Transfagarasan region, raising urgent questions about human-wildlife coexistence. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when the victim stopped at a popular tourist spot along the scenic mountain road, authorities reported.

According to officials, the bear dragged the man down a steep 80-meter (262-foot) ravine. Despite wearing a helmet and full protective gear, the victim sustained fatal injuries. “When we arrived, he was already deceased. The injuries were catastrophic,” said Ion Sanduloiu, head of the Arges County Mountain Rescue Service, in an interview with the BBC.

The motorcyclist had parked near a sign explicitly warning against feeding bears, Sanduloiu noted. “My advice is clear: never stop to feed bears, keep your distance, and stay safe,” he urged.

Romania hosts the EU’s largest brown bear population, with recent studies estimating between 10,400 and 12,800 bears—far exceeding earlier counts. This growing population has led to more frequent human-bear encounters, with several fatal incidents sparking debates over wildlife management.

Former Environment Minister Mircea Fechet suggested that an ideal bear population would be around 4,000, roughly a third of current estimates. He advocated for streamlined laws allowing local authorities to act swiftly, including euthanizing bears that wander into residential areas. The ministry is also developing risk zone maps to balance conservation with public safety.

However, conservationists argue that the issue stems from mismanagement rather than overpopulation. Gabriel Paun, founder of Agent Green, a wildlife protection NGO, criticized systemic failures. “These tragedies result from tourists interacting with wild animals, insufficient efforts by local authorities to guide bears back to forests, and the government’s failure to enforce a national coexistence plan,” Paun stated. He also highlighted threats to bears, including climate change, habitat loss, and trophy hunting, which has made Romania a hotspot for international hunters.

Sanduloiu emphasized stricter enforcement to prevent future incidents. “Higher fines and even jail time for those who feed bears could save lives,” he said.

The bear involved in the attack has not been euthanized, and an investigation is underway. As Romania grapples with balancing tourism, conservation, and safety, experts call for robust wildlife management strategies to protect both humans and its iconic brown bear population.