Man dragged down 80-metre ravine by brown bear as authorities urge tougher safety measures
Fatal Encounter in Tourist Hotspot
A man was killed by a brown bear while stopping near a scenic lookout on Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway, one of Europe’s most iconic mountain roads, on Tuesday morning. The victim, a motorcyclist, was pulled by the animal down a steep ravine approximately 80 metres (262 feet) deep.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the attack but found the man had already succumbed to severe injuries despite wearing protective gear and a helmet.
“Unfortunately, he was already dead when we arrived,” said Ion Sanduloiu, head of the Arges County Mountain Rescue Service.
“The injuries were extremely severe.”
Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred near a clearly posted warning sign advising tourists not to feed bears — a common issue in the region.
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Romania’s Bear Population Sparks Safety Debate
Romania is home to the largest brown bear population in the European Union, with recent genetic studies estimating 10,400 to 12,800 bears — far higher than the sustainable level of around 4,000 cited by former environment minister Mircea Fechet.
Encounters between humans and bears have been increasing, prompting calls for:
- Stricter wildlife protection policies
- Risk zone maps for tourists
- Simplified euthanasia laws for aggressive or urban-dwelling bears
“My advice is simple: do not stop, do not feed them, and keep your distance,” said Sanduloiu.
Conservationists, however, caution against using population control as a primary solution.
“These tragedies result from systemic failures — not overpopulation,” said Gabriel Paun, founder of Agent Green, a local environmental NGO.
“Poor wildlife management, tourists stopping to take selfies, and inadequate enforcement all contribute.”
Bear kills motorcyclist in Romanian mountains
Conservation or Control?
While some experts and local leaders advocate stronger deterrents, including fines and potential jail time for those who endanger themselves and others by interacting with wildlife, others highlight deeper environmental concerns.
Paun also emphasized threats to the bear population from:
- Climate change
- Habitat loss due to logging
- Trophy hunting tourism
Meanwhile, the bear involved in the incident has not yet been euthanized, pending an ongoing investigation.
