Romania is grappling with a surge in bear attacks, highlighted by the recent fatal mauling of an Italian tourist, Omar Farang Zin, in the Carpathian Mountains. This tragic event, alongside other incidents, has intensified concerns about human-wildlife coexistence and prompted urgent discussions on managing the country’s growing brown bear population.
Tourist Fatally Mauled After Selfie Attempt
Omar Farang Zin, a 48-year-old Italian motorcyclist, was killed by a bear on the Transfăgărășan road in the Carpathian Mountains. Reports indicate Zin had previously taken photos and videos of bears, including a selfie with a bear cub, and may have attempted to feed the animal before the fatal attack. Authorities found images and close-ups of a bear on his phone, suggesting he approached the animal. The bear, identified as a female with cubs, was later shot.
Key Takeaways
- Omar Farang Zin, an Italian tourist, was fatally attacked by a bear in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains.
- He had reportedly taken selfies and attempted to feed bears prior to the incident.
- The attacking bear, a female with cubs, was subsequently put down.
Rising Bear Population and Human-Wildlife Conflict
Romania boasts the largest brown bear population in the European Union, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 13,000 individuals. This significant increase, partly due to conservation efforts, has led to a rise in human-bear encounters. Over the past two decades, nearly 30 people have been fatally attacked by bears in Romania, with 19 of these deaths occurring in the last five years alone. Incidents include a teenage girl dragged into a ravine and a 72-year-old British tourist attacked after winding down her car window for a photo.
Addressing the Crisis
In response to the escalating incidents, Romanian authorities have taken several measures:
- Increased Culling Quotas: In 2024, the annual bear culling quota was doubled to 481, aiming to control the population and remove bears accustomed to human proximity.
- Warning Signs: Over 20 warning signs, in both Romanian and English, have been installed in high-risk areas like the Transfăgărășan road, advising tourists not to feed or approach wild animals.
- Public Awareness: Officials emphasize that feeding bears habituates them to humans, leading to dangerous interactions. Ion Sănduloiu, head of Salvamont Argeș, stated, "The moment someone gives food to a bear, the bear is sentenced to death."
Environmental groups, however, argue that culling alone is not a sustainable solution and point to systemic issues such as poor waste management and lax zoning laws that attract bears to human areas. They advocate for non-lethal solutions and better education for tourists.
Sources:
- Tourist takes bear cub selfie before being mauled to death in Romania, LADbible.
- Motorcyclist killed in bear attack on Romania’s Transfăgărășan mountain road, Romania Insider.
- Selfie-taking tourist mauled to death by bear in Romania, The Telegraph.
- Motorcyclist mauled to death by bear in Romania posted selfie with the animals before fatal attack, The Independent.
- Romania’s Wildlife Growth and the Investment Case for Safer Outdoor Economies, AInvest.
