Romania Relaxes Rules on Shooting Bears Near Human Settlements
Romania has introduced new regulations allowing faster intervention when bears wander into towns and villages, following an increase in bear attacks on people and property.
Government Approval of Emergency Measures
On Thursday, the Romanian government approved emergency procedures that permit authorities to quickly shoot or euthanize bears entering populated areas as human-wildlife conflicts grow more frequent.
Key Provisions of the New Regulation
- Intervention teams made up of police, gendarmes, and trained specialists can now use lethal force if a bear poses an immediate threat.
- The previous rule required attempts to scare or sedate the animal before taking lethal action.
- Cubs under one year old remain fully protected and cannot be shot.
Rising Encounters and Official Rationale
Authorities report a steady increase in bear sightings near human settlements and a series of attacks in recent years, prompting calls for faster responses from local administrations.
“We hope the new measures will better protect people in rural and mountain communities, while also safeguarding biodiversity,” said Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu.
Background
A noted example occurred in August 2018, when a male brown bear was spotted in the courtyard of the Octavian Goga High School in the Transylvanian city of Miercurea Ciuc, reflecting the growing frequency of such encounters.
Author’s summary: Romania’s new emergency rules aim to curb rising bear encounters by allowing faster lethal intervention while maintaining minimal protections for cubs and biodiversity.