Tourist Assaulted by Bear in Romania During Attempted Feeding Incident
In Romania's Arefu commune, Argeș County, a foreign tourist experienced a bear attack on May 27, 2025, along the scenic Transfăgărășan road. The victim, a 77-year-old man, was bitten near a hotel while attempting to feed a brown bear. Emergency responders from the SMURD rescue service attended the scene, and authorities issued a RO-Alert advisory, urging people to stay indoors and avoid the area.
According to the local Argeș County Emergency Inspectorate, the man suffered bites on his left forearm and abdomen. Officials have warned the public to maintain a safe distance from bears and not to feed or photograph them, as well as emphasizing the importance of protecting livestock while reducing personal risk.
The recent bear attack highlights the prevalence of brown bears in Romania's mountainous regions. In April 2025, the Ministry of Environment released preliminary findings from a study that estimated the brown bear population to be between 10,419 and 12,770, a significantly larger figure than earlier estimates, underscoring the common presence of bears in these regions.
Historically, the brown bear population in Romania was much smaller, with around 900 bears present in 1940. Over the years, the number grew due to various factors, including efforts by former Romanian leader Nicolae Ceaușescu to maintain hunting activities. Today, estimates suggest there are over 10,000 brown bears in the country, mainly concentrated in the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian Alps.
This combination of a large bear population and frequent human presence suggests the need for caution and adherence to safety guidelines when visiting bear-inhabited areas in Romania.
The victim's encounter with a bear in Romania underscores the importance of maintaining a safe distance from these animals, especially during travel in bear-inhabited regions. Given the increasing brown bear population, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian Alps, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines and avoid risky behaviors like feeding or photographing bears to protect oneself and the local wildlife.
