The species that returned to Romania after 200 years and will occupy all the Carpathian Mountains. It was hunted to extinction
The European bison, the emblematic animal of Moldova, could occupy the entire Carpathian arch, just as it did two centuries ago.
The breeding strategy has been successful, and the European bison have adapted to freedom. In the Vânători Natural Park in Neamț, for example, the European bison herd numbers over 80 calves and adults.
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The European bison, or wisent, is the largest land animal on the European continent. The last free-roaming European bison were hunted in Moldova and Transylvania to extinction at the end of the 18th century. Now, the Vânători National Park in Neamț County is their home.
In 2012, the first five specimens were brought from abroad and released into the wild. Over the years, the animals have multiplied. Romsilva ensures their food supply in the winter season.
The area where the European bison roam has reached 70,000 hectares, extending into northern Bukovina.
Adrian Cătănoiu, director of the Vânători National Park in Neamț: "In the medium term, the signs are encouraging. I am talking about the population's natural growth".
The park can be visited in an organized group. Recently, a European bison was caught on camera curiously entering the courtyard of Petru-Vodă Monastery. In Neamț, locals are already familiar with the animals.
Local resident: "Very beautiful. I get the feeling that they are accustomed to the locals; I'm not sure, but they seem to come very close to homes".
Local resident: "We see them once a month or every two months, in the winter season. Many, around 20-30, and generally with calves. They are beautiful, many people stop, photograph them, film them".
Throughout the country, there are now 200 European bison that can still be seen in the reservation in Hațeg, Hunedoara, the Bison Valley in Brașov or in Bucșani, Dâmbovița.
Specialists suggest that given the current rate of reproduction, these majestic creatures could become a regular presence across the Carpathian arch within the next 20 years.
