Managing the coexistence between humans and brown bears ( Ursus arctos ) in Romania has evolved into one of the country's most pressing socio-ecological challenges. As home to Europe's largest brown bear population outside of Russia—estimated by a 2025 DNA-based study to be between —Romania faces a surge in dangerous encounters that have sparked intense national debate and rapid legislative shifts. Current Landscape of the Conflict

Research and expert commentary identify several factors driving bears into human settlements: Bears Are Terrorizing Romania. It's Humans' Fault.

: For the first time, a comprehensive genetic study involving roughly 24,000 samples confirmed a significantly higher population than the previously estimated 8,000.

: There is a deepening divide between local communities feeling "terrorized" and environmental groups who argue that culling targets the wrong animals and ignores root causes. Primary Causes of Conflict