Bears in the Carpathian Region Engage in Physical Interactions with Humans
In the picturesque region of Trentino, Italy, residents are expressing concern over the increasing presence of wild brown bears. Approximately 100 of these majestic creatures roam through nearly 3.4 million hectares of forest, an area almost equivalent to Baden-Württemberg. However, they are not confined to the wilderness, as they also approach farmland and vineyards, causing damage and posing a risk to humans [1].
This surge in bear population has been linked to the 2016 ban on shooting, according to local hunters. The ban, intended to protect these animals, seems to have had unintended consequences [2].
The issue is not isolated to Trentino. In northwestern Greece, residents of Kastoria are living in fear as bears wander into populated areas, attracted by waste and orchards. Similarly, bear incidents are common in Romania, particularly affecting hikers and shepherds [3].
The situation in Romania is particularly alarming. A new study estimates that there are between 10,419 and 12,770 bears in the country, more than twice as many as previously thought [4].
Sadly, bear attacks have claimed lives in Europe. Last June, a Greek hiker was fatally thrown down a steep slope by a bear's blow, and in 2023, a 26-year-old Italian was fatally injured by a she-bear while jogging in the mountains, marking the first confirmed fatal bear attack in Italy [5].
To minimise encounters and ensure safety, hikers are advised to make noise while hiking, stay on established trails, and properly secure food and trash. In bear country, observing all closures and restrictions in active bear management areas is crucial [6].
Should a bear encounter occur, hikers are warned not to run but to walk away slowly while remaining calm. Bear spray is a crucial tool for protection, and hikers should be prepared to use it effectively [7].
Other key safety practices include moving to the safety of a car or building if approached by a curious or predatory bear, and reporting any unusual bear behaviour [1].
The Carpathian town of Baile Tusnad, Romania, serves as a model for bear management, with the introduction of bear-proof trash cans and the removal of fruit trees [8]. However, bears can still be officially shot again in Romania, with annual quotas of several hundred [9].
In conclusion, the rising bear population in Europe necessitates a balanced approach to conservation and safety. While measures like the 2016 ban on shooting may have unintended consequences, actions like the introduction of bear-proof trash cans and the removal of attractive food sources can help manage the situation. As always, safety practices remain paramount for hikers and residents alike.
[1] BBC News [2] The Guardian [3] National Geographic [4] Romania Insider [5] The Local Italy [6] Parks Canada [7] Bear Smart [8] The Guardian [9] Romania Insider
Participants in sports activities, such as hiking, should remain vigilant in bear country. Proper safety practices, including making noise, staying on established trails, and using bear spray, can help minimize encounters with bears.
