Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, prompting police investigations and sparking online memes. Residents remain on edge as authorities continue the search for the elusive feline. A local man filmed an animal he believed could be the dangerous panther, showing a large dark figure moving through tall grass. Mayor Desislav Nachov visited the filming site with police to inspect the area. Police are questioning the witness who captured the footage. Nachov said authorities have not decided whether to open an emergency headquarters, adding that the witness compared the animal to a large dog. Dupnitsa sits about 66 kilometres south of Sofia and near the Serbian border. It lies more than 430 kilometres west of Shumen plateau nature park, where the cat first appeared.
Previous Search and Expert Analysis
Authorities locked down Shumen plateau for nearly two weeks while searching for the feline. The search started on 19 June after a viral video and paw prints caused fears of a predator. Officials ended the search in mid-July, deeming it inconclusive. Zoologist Dr. Stoyan Lazarov claimed the paw print probably came from a large dog. Professor Nikolay Spasov confirmed this, stating the print showed no feline traits. Search teams deployed camera traps and bait stations but found no sightings or physical evidence. Georgi Krastev, director of Central Balkan National Park, described the animal’s movements as erratic and unpredictable. Authorities dismissed rumours of multiple panthers or a pregnant female with cubs.
Big Cats Roaming Across Europe
In 2021, residents near Bari, Italy, reported seeing a panther, prompting official warnings. In 2022, authorities in eastern Slovakia urged caution after a tiger appeared near the border. The UK has reported multiple alleged panther sightings in recent years, though experts frequently question these claims.
