Authorities in the Silistra region are stepping up precautionary measures after a new report of a black leopard sighting near the town of Tutrakan. A crisis task force is set to convene today at 12:00, regional officials confirmed.
Regional Governor Iliyan Velikov said a citizen reported seeing the large predator on Monday afternoon between the villages of Shumenci and Bogdantsi. The alleged sighting prompted immediate attention given the rarity of such animals in Bulgaria.
Police patrols were dispatched to the area later that evening, but initial checks yielded no tracks or evidence of the animal’s presence. Despite the lack of confirmation, authorities are treating the report seriously due to public safety concerns.
This latest case adds to a series of similar alerts in Northern Bulgaria over recent months. Residents previously reported spotting a big cat near Shumen Plateau, as well as close to the village of Mutnitsa in Pleven Province. None of those sightings have been officially verified, but they continue to stir unease.
Experts emphasize that what many call a “black panther” is not a separate species but a melanistic leopard. The animal’s dark coat makes it more difficult to detect in the wild, particularly as leopards are known to be elusive and primarily nocturnal hunters.
“These predators typically favor rocky and forested habitats,” one zoologist noted. “They avoid human settlements, but if such an animal is indeed present, caution is absolutely necessary.”
Governor Velikov assured the public that measures are being coordinated between police, environmental authorities, and local administrations. “We are working closely to investigate the report and ensure the safety of residents,” he said.
The Ministry of Environment and Water has not yet confirmed the animal’s presence but has urged vigilance. Farmers and villagers in the affected areas have been advised to secure livestock and report any unusual activity immediately.
Northern Bulgaria’s string of predator sightings remains a mystery. Some speculate the animal may have escaped from a private collection or illegal exotic pet ownership, while others question whether the sightings could be cases of mistaken identity.
For now, the Silistra task force will monitor the situation closely, with plans for further patrols and inspections in the coming days. Authorities say that until concrete evidence is found, the public should remain alert but not alarmed.
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