Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, sparking police investigations and online jokes. A resident filmed the animal, believing it to be dangerous. Mayor Desislav Nachov visited the filming site with police officers to inspect the scene. Authorities questioned the witness who recorded the footage showing a large black feline moving through tall grass. Nachov stated that police have not decided whether to create an emergency search center. The witness described the animal as similar to a large dog. Dupnitsa lies 66 kilometres south of Sofia and near the Serbian border, over 430 kilometres west of Shumen plateau nature park.
Previous Search and Expert Analysis
Authorities locked down Shumen plateau for almost two weeks during a previous search. Officials began this operation on 19 June after paw prints and a viral video raised fears of a predator. They ended the search in mid-July, calling it inconclusive. Zoologist Dr. Stoyan Lazarov suggested the paw prints belonged to a large dog. Professor Nikolay Spasov agreed, confirming the prints lacked feline characteristics. Teams deployed baited stations and camera traps but found no physical evidence or sightings. Georgi Krastev, director of Central Balkan National Park, described the animal’s movements as unpredictable. Authorities dismissed rumours of a pair of panthers or a pregnant female with cubs.
European Big Cat Reports
Officials in Bari, Italy, warned the public in 2021 after residents reported seeing a panther. Slovakian authorities advised caution in 2022 after a tiger appeared near the border. The UK has reported multiple panther sightings, though experts often questioned these claims. European authorities continue investigating such sightings to protect local communities.
