Nicușor Dan promulgates the law for rapid intervention in the case of bears. Nearly 1,000 specimens can be harvested annually

President Nicușor Dan promulgated on Monday, October 5, 2026, Law 218/2026, which regulates immediate intervention to prevent and combat bear attacks on people and their property. The legislation also doubles the harvesting quotas for 2026 and 2027, to nearly 1,000 bears annually.

For each of the two years, a prevention quota of nearly 900 bears and an intervention quota of 110 bears have been established. The measures are justified by the growing number of bears entering populated areas in search of food, including yards and garbage bins.

The new law allows the local intervention team, led by the mayor or deputy mayor and comprising gendarmes, hunting personnel and a veterinarian, to quickly decide on the necessary measures without additional approval from the ministry. Depending on the level of risk, the bear may be driven away, tranquilized and relocated or, in serious situations, euthanized or shot.

The legislation also simplifies standing contracts between town halls, veterinarians and hunting associations. In May, the president challenged the law before the Constitutional Court of Romania, but the challenge was rejected in June. The Chamber of Deputies adopted the final version on September 16, following reconsideration, with 249 votes in favor.