Bavaria's debate about brown bears in Romania: fear of bears is growing

Bavaria's debate about brown bears in Romania: fear of bears is growing

"Wildliving bears in Europe: A look at the coexistence of humans and animals"

In the forests of Europe there are a variety of animal species, including the majestic brown bear. These animals are both fascinating and feared, especially when there are fatal encounters. A sad incident in Romania reunited the debate about dealing with bears and even caused concern in neighboring Bavaria.

The young tourist, who was attacked by a bear in the southern Carpathians while hiking and died tragically, now draws attention to the question of how people and bears can live together in the future. The mountain rescuers and police officers who found the 19-year-old body faced a sad sight with bite tracks on the leg and back.

experts indicate that the getting used to bears can lead to dangerous behavior. In areas where tourists can often be found, the bears often lose their natural shyness and approach human settlements. This behavior can be dangerous for both humans and the bears themselves.

Romania, which houses a large brown bear population in the Carpathians, strives to regulate the living together of humans and animals. The country's Environment Minister calls for an increase in the number of shooting for aggressive bears and denounces the ineffective resettlement policy. However, the discussion about dealing with bears does not only affect Romania, but also Bavaria, where the fear of possible bear encounters increases.

A district administrator in Bavaria even proposes the establishment of an armed bear police to be prepared for possible encounters with bears. Although there are currently no confirmed bearing style in Bavaria, the Situation is observed carefully and in an emergency sees any measures, including the shot of bears, as justified.

The sights of brown bears in Bavaria are likely to be caused by animals from northern Italy that migrate to the Free State via Austria. A similar scenario took place in 2006 when "problem bear Bruno" in Bavaria caused excitement and was ultimately shot. This incident shows how sensitive the coexistence of humans and bears can be and which conflicts can arise from it.

It remains to be hoped that a reasonable policy and awareness of the protection of the animal world can surely exist both humans and bears in their habitats. ” - nag