Villagers in Dupnitsa reported seeing a black panther, prompting police investigations and social media jokes. Residents continue searching for the elusive feline. A local man filmed an animal he believed could be dangerous, showing a large black figure moving through tall grass. Mayor Desislav Nachov visited the site with police and inspected the area. Authorities are questioning the videographer about the footage. Nachov said police have not decided whether to open an emergency search center. The witness described the animal as resembling a large dog. Dupnitsa sits 66 kilometres south of Sofia and near the Serbian border, more than 430 kilometres west of Shumen plateau, where officials first spotted the cat.
Past Searches and Expert Skepticism
Officials locked down Shumen plateau for almost two weeks while searching for the panther. The search began on 19 June after paw prints and a viral video raised concerns about a predator. Authorities called off the investigation in mid-July without results. Zoologist Dr. Stoyan Lazarov claimed the paw print likely came from a large dog, not a feline. Professor Nikolay Spasov supported this view, confirming experts found no feline evidence. Teams set camera traps and baited stations but found no physical traces. Georgi Krastev, Central Balkan National Park director, described the animal’s movements as unpredictable and erratic. Rumours of multiple panthers or a pregnant female with cubs circulated but authorities dismissed them.
Big Cat Reports Across Europe
In 2021, residents in Bari, Italy, reported seeing a panther, prompting officials to warn the public. Eastern Slovakia authorities advised caution in 2022 after a tiger appeared near the border. The UK recorded several alleged panther sightings in recent years, but experts frequently challenged the accuracy of these reports.
