Doug (Willie’s dad) has been in Romania all week.
Every time he goes, I ask:
“Did you see any bears?”
Why do I ask this question?
Well, Romania has the healthiest population of European brown bears anywhere.
Brown bears are virtually extinct in Western and Central Europe, and there are healthier population in Eastern Europe– but only in parts.
Romania is a bit different.
You see, Nikolai Ceausescu, Romania’s infamous communist dictator, had a penchant for bear shooting.
There were major, major programs were designed to promote the conservation of the species in Romania– all so Ceausescu could have some bears to shoot.
There was even a failed bear farming venture that would stock the forests with cubs every year.
None of the released bears survived. None.
After the fall of communism, Romania’s healthy bear population was used to reintroduce brown bears to other parts of Europe.
Plenty of bears can still be found in Romania’s forests, and I always ask Doug if he’s seen any.
Well, he’s seen one.
I have no idea where, but it’s in Romania. And it’s a European brown bear:
only guessing, and could be wrong –
but i got a $10 bill says he’s captive.
[and yes, looking at the skull i think M]
i think he’s taken shelter in a pond, in an exhibit;
and the raised-hackles are one indicator of stress.
a wild bear given the option, would leave.
JMO,
– terry
I’m pretty sure you’re right.
^ I was just going to say the same thing as LeashedForLife. :D
Male, and in a pond in an exhibit. Nice bear, though. It’s a great shame that there is still conflict over the transboundary management of wildlife in Europe. Bear populations in particular would be much better off if they weren’t eradicated just for wandering to the other side of a mountain range. (The case that received attention recently between Germany and Italy is just one example.)
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Flux cultural, Scottie Westfall. Scottie Westfall said: Romanian bear: http://wp.me/phvWb-2og […]
[…] As was the bear. […]