Reports of a large black predator believed to be a leopard or panther have unsettled residents near the village of Krainitsi, in the Dupnitsa area. Local authorities confirmed heightened police activity following the alleged sighting close to the last houses of the settlement.
The alarm was raised by Krainitsi’s mayor, Desislav Nachov, who said he received a signal from a villager on Tuesday afternoon. According to the witness, the animal appeared in a nearby field, moving quickly across the meadow. It was described as a large cat with black fur, resembling a leopard or panther.
Mayor Nachov confirmed that he immediately informed the Regional Police Department in Dupnitsa. Within minutes, patrols were dispatched to the scene. The mayor joined officers to review the location shown in the video captured by the eyewitness, which is now under examination by investigators.
Eyewitness Svetoslav Kavdanski also shared his account of the encounter. During his evening run, he spotted a dark figure in the field. At first, he thought it was a wolf, but quickly realized it resembled a big cat.
“It was about the size of my pit bull, around 30 kilograms, chasing prey, likely a bird,” he told BNT. He added that while startled, he was relieved the animal did not act aggressively. Kavdanski managed to film the sighting before leaving the area.
Police recorded his statement and searched the terrain alongside forestry officials. For precaution, several patrols were ordered to circle the village, supported by municipal vehicles. Despite the heightened response, officials stressed that no restrictions on movement have been issued, and the case remains under review.
The Ministry of Interior has not confirmed the authenticity of the footage or found any physical traces of the predator. Still, authorities urged vigilance, advising residents to avoid confrontation and immediately call 112 if the animal is sighted again.
The reported encounter follows earlier cases this summer when supposed sightings of a black panther were reported in Shumen and Tutrakan. Despite extensive searches using drones and thermal cameras, no conclusive evidence was ever found. It remains unclear whether the Krainitsi incident is linked to these earlier reports.
The sighting has divided locals. While some fear for their safety and that of their pets, others doubt that a leopard could survive so close to residential areas. For now, the mystery remains unsolved, as police continue monitoring and residents await clarity.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members