The law also allows emergency killing of a further 110 animals if they pose a danger to people.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan signed a law authorising the cull of 859 brown bears in 2026. A further 110 animals may be killed through emergency intervention if they pose an increased danger to people, Kommersant reported, citing Euronews.
The Chamber of Deputies re-adopted the legislation on September 16. It was initiated by the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania in response to more frequent bear appearances in populated areas and an increase in attacks on people. Dan had previously challenged the measure in the Constitutional Court.
A population study cited in the report estimates Romania has between 10,600 and 12,700 brown bears, the largest population in Europe. Some officials and politicians have questioned whether the annual cull target can be met before the end of the year.