Research carried out in Romania indicates that as many as 13,000 bears inhabit the nation, which is significantly more than the earlier estimate of 8,000.
The research carried out by Romania's Forestry Research Institute, nonetheless, sparked doubt amongst specialists, who took issue with the techniques used for gathering information.
"The specimens were gathered from 2022 up till the conclusion of last year, spanning approximately three years. This contrasts with the typical approach for conducting genetic studies, which usually involves sample collection over a much shorter timeframe," stated Cristian Papp, an environmental specialist affiliated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The updated statistics come from a genetic research conducted across 25 regions in the Carpathian mountains, utilizing over 24,000 specimens such as fecal matter and hair.
Earlier, the population was estimated by counting bear tracks.
Anca Fedorca, who represents the research institution, stated that the postponement was because of "the substantial quantity of samples we processed, the extensive lab tests required, and the personnel at our disposal."
Romania's Minister of the Environment, Mircea Fechet, stated his intention to ask the European Commission to remove the protective designation for brown bears.
"We have a duty to step in. Specialists indicate that the ideal number of bears should be approximately 4,000," he stated.
Activists have criticized Romania’s government for permitting more trophy hunting in recent years. The number of bears permitted to be hunted last year was increased to 426, despite the European Commission prohibiting such actions.
Fechet mentioned that steps should be taken to facilitate preventing bears from accessing community areas and thereby reducing the risk to human life.