Romania’s Majestic Brown Bears

Brown bears are not only a powerful symbol of Romania's efforts to preserve wild spaces and biodiversity but also a vital part of Romania’s natural heritage. They have been a part of Romanian folklore, mythology and traditions for centuries. In Romanian legends, bears are often seen as protectors of the forests and symbols of strength, endurance and wisdom.

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Traditional bear dancing ceremonies, once performed by Romani people during the winter months, involved costumed performers mimicking the movements of bears, a practice believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the new year. Though the practice is now mostly a cultural celebration, it reflects the deep respect and connection Romanians have with the bear.

Brown bears in Romania are mainly found in the Carpathian Mountains, which stretch across central and northern Romania. This region is home to one of the largest populations of brown bears in Europe.

Within the Carpathian Mountains range, there are specific areas where brown bears are most commonly found like the Southern Carpathians (Transylvanian Alps), Eastern Carpathians (Harghita, Covasna and Vrancea), Western Carpathians (Apuseni Mountains) and Retezat & Parâng Mountains (also a part of the Southern Carpathians).

In all of these regions, bears can be found living in dense forests and alpine meadows, thriving in relatively undisturbed natural environments. If you want to spot bears in Romania, the Carpathians are where you should be headed. The region offers an ideal mix of forest cover, water sources and food availability, making it one of the best places for bears to live.

While researching about the Transfagarasan route, we found that bear sightings were common on the Transfăgărășan. It seemed that these wild animals had got used to receiving food from tourists and would wait on the sides of the mountainous roads. We decided to chance our luck and see if we spot any bears on our drive.

We drove from Brasov to Curtea de Argeș, in Argeș County, to see the Curtea de Argeș Monastery. It is an Orthodox monastery built sometime between 1515-1517 by Neagoe Basarab. It's beautiful and we recommend a visit to it if you are planning on driving the Transfăgărășan route.

From Curtea de Argeș, we got on the DN7C - the Transfăgărășan route. Once we had crossed the towns and entered the mountainous region, we spotted our first bear. We couldn't believe our luck. It is one thing to read articles by others stating that they had spotted bears and to actually spot a wild one - it was a fantastic feeling. And what a formidable creature it is!

Tip: Carry travel binoculars and a zoom lens camera.

Brown bears are among the largest land predators in Europe. Adult brown bears can reach up to 2.8m in length, from the nose to the tip of the tail. And when on all fours, they stand around 3 to 5 feet tall at the shoulder. A large brown bear standing on their hind legs, can even reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall.

Male brown bears are larger than females, and normally weigh between 180 and 350 kgs. Females usually weigh between 130 and 200 kgs.

Brown bears have thick fur, which varies in colour from light brown, dark brown to sometimes kind of reddish or almost black. It is their dense coat that helps them survive harsh winters in the mountains. They have an extremely good sense of smell and this is what they rely on for finding food. 

Another distinguishing feature is their long, powerful claws that can grow up to 10cm in length. These claws are non-retractable and are used for digging, climbing and catching prey.

Despite their large size, brown bears are incredibly fast runners. You certainly wouldn't want to encounter one when you are out hiking.

Brown bears are omnivores with a varied diet. I had read somewhere that they consume a wide range of food depending on what's available locally. Their diet typically includes plants/vegetation (berries, nuts, fruits, roots, grasses etc.), insects & invertebrates and small mammals  (rodents, birds etc.). They are also known to feed on carrion (dead animals) when available.

Though not frequent hunters of large prey, they have been known to attack larger animals like deer or livestock when other food sources are limited.

Brown bears are known for their annual hibernation during the colder months, which allows them to conserve energy when food is scarce.

In Romania, brown bears typically begin hibernating between late October and December, depending on the weather and availability of food. They, then, emerge from hibernation around March or April. So, if you are planning to visit Romania and want to spot bears, keep this bit of information in mind.

Conservation status of brown bears in Romania

Romania is home to one of the largest and most important populations of brown bears in Europe. It is estimated that the country has 6,000 to 7,000 brown bears.

Brown bears are extinct or critically endangered in many parts of Europe so this population of bears in Romania is crucial for the species. Although classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), due to their relatively large population and widespread range in the Carpathians, the conservation of bears is still a high priority.

Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts and illegal poaching are some of the factors that pose a threat to the population of bears.

Brown bears are a protected species under both Romanian and European Union law. Romania's bears are covered by the EU's Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention, which protect the species and its habitat.

Several national parks and protected areas in Romania, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains, serve as important bear habitats. These include the Piatra Craiului National Park, Bucegi Natural Park, and Făgăraș Mountains.

Conservation programs also focus on creating wildlife corridors to allow bears to move between different parts of their habitat without encountering human development.

One conservation success story that is notable is the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, which has rescued over 100 bears from abusive situations, including from captivity in restaurants and circuses. The sanctuary not only provides care for rescued bears but also raises awareness about bear conservation and the importance of protecting wild populations.

Brown bears are also a significant draw for ecotourism in Romania. Bear-watching tours in the Carpathian Mountains provide a source of income for local communities while also promoting wildlife conservation.

As tourists, we, nature enthusiasts, have a unique opportunity to help safeguard the future of Romania’s brown bears by embracing sustainable, responsible tourism. By choosing ethical tours that respect wildlife, adhering to guidelines for minimising disturbance and supporting local conservation initiatives, we can ensure that future generations continue to witness the powerful presence of these iconic animals in Romania’s wild landscapes.

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