Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, prompting police investigations and sparking viral memes. Residents remain anxious as authorities continue the search.
A local resident filmed an animal he believes matches the description of the dangerous feline. Mayor Desislav Nachov inspected the filming site with police officers. Police are questioning the person who recorded the footage showing a large black animal moving through tall grass.
Nachov stated that authorities have not decided whether to open an emergency headquarters for a full search. He added the witness described the animal as resembling a large dog. Dupnitsa sits roughly 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 Efforts and Expert Opinions
Authorities locked down Shumen plateau for nearly two weeks while conducting a search for the feline. They began the search on 19 June after a viral video and paw prints raised fears of a predator roaming the area. Officials ended the search in mid-July without confirming the animal’s presence.
Zoologists questioned the evidence. Dr. Stoyan Lazarov suggested the paw print likely belonged to a large dog. Professor Nikolay Spasov supported this view and confirmed the print did not come from a feline. Teams set up camera traps and bait stations, but they detected no sightings or traces. Georgi Krastev, director of Central Balkan National Park, described the animal’s movements as unpredictable and irregular. Rumours claiming a pair of panthers or a pregnant female with cubs circulated but were dismissed.
European Big Cat Sightings
Sightings of big cats are not unusual in Europe. Residents near Bari, Italy, reported a panther in 2021, prompting officials to warn the public to avoid the countryside. In 2022, authorities in eastern Slovakia urged caution after a tiger appeared near the border. The UK has seen repeated panther sighting reports, though experts often question their authenticity.
