One of the main objectives of the LIFE with Bison project is to develop a favorable framework for coexistence between local communities and the European bison population in the Țarcu Mountains. To achieve this goal, Rewilding Romania implements a range of measures that combine ongoing dialogue with local communities, wildlife monitoring, and practical field-based actions.
Dialogue and engagement with local communities
Since 2024, Rewilding Romania has organized regular public meetings in the communities of Feneș and Rusca, attended by local residents, local authority representatives, and members of the project team.
Discussions focus on the presence of bison in the area, observations reported by local residents, ongoing activities, and planned measures. The information gathered helps identify areas frequently used by bison, establish intervention priorities, and adapt project activities to local conditions.
We have also provided support to local farmers whose properties were affected by bison, including the replacement of damaged trees.
Protecting properties through preventive fencing
One practical measure implemented on the ground is the installation of preventive fencing in vulnerable areas. These interventions have resulted in a noticeable decrease in animal intrusions into areas close to community infrastructure and private properties.
In April 2025, fencing works around the cemetery in the village of Feneș were completed through a collaboration between the ranger team and the local community.
In May 2025, an additional preventive fence was installed in the village through a partnership between Rewilding Romania and the Armeniș Local Council. The activity involved rangers from Rewilding Romania, the LIFE with Bison Project Officer from the Armeniș Local Council, and five local volunteers.
A total of 9 km of electric fencing has been installed to protect properties.
Monitoring and the virtual fence system
The ranger team mapped areas with high potential for interaction between people and bison, analyzed land use, and assessed the extent to which these areas may be influenced by the species’ presence.
Part of the European bison population in the Țarcu Mountains is monitored using GPS collars. Based on the collected data, a virtual fence system has been established that sends alerts to the field team whenever monitored animals cross predefined boundaries. This system enables the rapid deployment of rangers and the implementation of measures to move bison away from villages and agricultural land.
Development of canine intervention units
The project is also assessing the use of canine units as a complementary tool for managing bison presence near human settlements. To this end, practical field activities and training exercises have been carried out with Border Collies.
Results show that teams of rangers and trained dogs enhance interventions, especially during winter, when bison are more likely to approach settlements in search of food. Experience so far supports developing these teams to complement existing measures.
Information and community involvement
Alongside prevention and intervention measures, the project also aims to increase public awareness of coexistence with wildlife. In 2025, work began on developing an interpretive trail in the Feneș area, which is expected to help foster understanding and positive attitudes toward wildlife by providing information about the ecological role of the European bison, existing coexistence measures, and local opportunities created by the species’ presence.
Through the monitoring, prevention, intervention, and community engagement activities carried out within the LIFE with Bison project, practical solutions are being developed and tested to help strengthen a functional model of coexistence between people and European bison in the south-western Carpathians.
