Recent fatal incidents in Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, together with the 2025 case in Greece, underscore the need for a realistic approach to brown bear coexistence. Conservation objectives must be underpinned by reliable population data, effective prevention, clear intervention protocols and management tools that ensure public safety.

These incidents are relevant to FACE’s work on large carnivore management as they highlight recurring concerns regarding public safety, population monitoring, responses to problem animals and practical coexistence measures.

Bulgaria, Vitosha Nature Park, 16 May 2026: A 35-year-old hiker was found dead in Vitosha Nature Park near Sofia on 16 May, with a brown bear attack among the suspected causes. The body was discovered near routes linking mountain huts in an area popular with hikers. Researcher Dr Raycho Ganchev warned that bears losing fear of humans could increase risks and highlighted the need for better data and management.

Romania, Harghita County, late April to early May 2026: A man missing since 27 April was found dead near Farkaslaka in Harghita County. Bite marks were reportedly observed, and a bear was still nearby when authorities arrived. The case has fuelled local concerns about bear management and intervention capacity.

Poland, Bieszczady region, late April 2026: A 58-year-old woman was killed near Płonna in the Bieszczady region while collecting shed antlers. After she and her son became separated, he reportedly heard her shout “bear, bear” on the phone before the call cut out. Difficult access delayed the search, and she was later found to have fatal injuries.

Greece, Rhodope Mountains, June 2025: In June 2025, a tourist was found dead in a ravine in the Middle Rhodopes in Greece, near the Bulgarian border. A companion reportedly said they were attacked or chased by a bear. The case adds regional context to transboundary bear presence.

Key messages for coexistence and management – These incidents point to several recurring issues:

• Brown bear encounters are not limited to remote wilderness areas, with incidents reported near huts, roads or areas used by hikers.
• Local authorities and communities are increasingly concerned about bears losing fear of humans.
• Reliable population estimates remain central to the policy debate.
• Prevention, public awareness and rapid response protocols are essential in bear areas.
• The issue is increasingly cross-border, particularly in mountain regions shared or connected between Member States.

These cases provide additional evidence that large carnivore conservation must be accompanied by practical management tools. Brown bears are a protected species and part of Europe’s natural heritage, but conservation success must be matched by pragmatic management measures that protect people, rural communities and others using the countryside.