A significant majority of Romanians believe that wild animals play a vital role in the ecosystem and that their extinction negatively impacts human life, according to new research released today by DataDiggers, an internationally active market research company. The study, conducted in April 2025 using a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Romanian adults aged 18 to 65, offers fresh insight into public opinion on wildlife and conservation issues across both urban and suburban rural populations.

According to the findings, 87% of Romanians agree that wild animals are important to the ecosystem that humans are also part of. Furthermore, 64% believe that the extinction of wild animals has a negative effect on the quality of human life. These views reflect a growing awareness of ecological interdependence and a concern for biodiversity among the Romanian public.

When respondents were asked how they would react upon encountering a mother bear with her cubs, nearly half (48%) said they would slowly and quietly back away to avoid confrontation, while 13% stated they would remain still and wait for the bears to move on. These responses suggest that a large portion of the population is aware of safe and responsible behavior in potential wildlife encounters.

However, the study also revealed that not all Romanians are informed or cautious. A minority of participants expressed intentions to take actions that experts warn could escalate tensions with wild animals, such as trying to scare off the animals, using repellents unnecessarily, or approaching with pets. Wildlife experts caution that mother bears, in particular, may become aggressive if they perceive threats to their cubs, especially when humans inadvertently position themselves between a mother and her young or provoke the animals in other ways.

Despite potential risks, Romanians generally hold a balanced and in many cases positive perception of wild animals such as bears and wolves. When asked about their overall opinion of these species, 30% of respondents expressed a “rather positive” view, while 12% were “extremely positive.” Meanwhile, 39% described their opinion as “neutral,” with only 13% expressing a “rather negative” view and just 6% stating their opinion was “extremely negative.”

These findings highlight a national attitude of cautious respect and curiosity toward wildlife, rather than fear or hostility.

When it comes to managing wild animal populations, a majority of Romanians favor proactive and environmentally responsible strategies. The most widely supported solution — endorsed by 61% of respondents — is the expansion and strict protection of natural areas to ensure that wild animals can thrive away from densely populated zones. Additionally, 56% support preventive measures aimed at minimizing interactions between people and wildlife. Such measures include bear-proof garbage bins, daily waste removal from tourist areas, electric fencing, video surveillance, and regular patrols.

This data suggests that the Romanian public is not only concerned about coexistence but is also open to practical, science-backed approaches that prioritize both human safety and animal welfare.

Experts interpreting the study emphasize the importance of continued public education, responsible media coverage, and the strategic use of public alert systems such as RO-Alert to warn communities of wildlife presence. Environmental education initiatives, particularly in rural and tourist-heavy areas, are seen as critical for fostering a culture of coexistence.

The report’s release comes amid growing global conversations about how human activity impacts wildlife, particularly in regions like the Carpathian Mountains, where bears and wolves still roam freely. Romania, one of Europe’s last strongholds for large carnivores, has become a focal point for discussions about sustainable wildlife management and habitat preservation.

Founded in 2015, DataDiggers is a Romania-based market research company with a strong international footprint. The company is a member of Esomar, the American Marketing Association, and the Insights Association. It also holds ISO 20252:2019 certification, the global standard for quality in market, opinion, and social research, covering all stages from data collection through to analysis.

As public interest in conservation and environmental responsibility continues to rise, the findings of this latest study underscore a clear message from Romanians: coexistence with wild animals is not only possible but necessary — and it must be achieved through thoughtful governance, community engagement, and a shared commitment to protecting nature.