SHUMEN, BULGARIA – Authorities have temporarily closed off access to key walking paths and trails across the Shumen Plateau Nature Park following a reported sighting of a large, unidentified predator near Kyoshkave and the “Creators of the Bulgarian State” monument.
The Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Shumen confirmed the closure on Friday, citing safety concerns after a group of citizens reported encountering the animal near the Divdyadovskite Rocks around 10 p.m. earlier this week. The group also submitted video evidence, now under review by the police and environmental agencies.
The closure affects popular hiking areas and scenic spots in and around the Shumen Plateau. Local police, along with forest rangers, have established seven checkpoints to monitor access and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Officers are also stationed at trailheads, roadways, and entry points to enforce the restrictions.
Authorities have launched a coordinated search effort involving the Northeast State Enterprise, the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water, the Regional Directorate for Forests, and the management of Shumen Plateau Nature Park. An operational headquarters has been set up to oversee the extensive sweep of approximately 40 square kilometers of forested terrain.
Ecologist Toma Belev, commenting on social media, expressed his astonishment over the sighting, noting that while brown bear appearances have occasionally been documented in the region, this case appears to be different. “There’s mounting speculation that the animal may be a puma,” he wrote on Facebook, highlighting the rarity of such species in Bulgaria.
Unofficial sources quoted by the Bulgarian newspaper 24 Chasa suggest the animal is either a puma or a jaguar — exotic species not native to the country. No nearby zoos or licensed wildlife facilities have reported a missing animal, prompting investigators to consider the possibility of an illegally kept exotic pet that has escaped captivity.
To bolster the search operation, wildlife specialists from Sofia are en route with remote sedation equipment designed to safely immobilize the animal without harm. In addition, a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera has been deployed over the park to help locate the predator, particularly during low visibility conditions.
Local residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual animal sightings immediately. “Public cooperation is essential,” said the Regional Directorate in a statement. “We urge all citizens to comply with the movement restrictions and follow instructions issued by on-ground police and forestry personnel.”
The Shumen Plateau, a prominent natural and cultural landmark in northeastern Bulgaria, attracts thousands of visitors each year, especially during the summer season. Its temporary closure has raised concerns among local tourism operators, though most have expressed support for the precautionary measures.
As the identity and origin of the animal remain unconfirmed, authorities continue to prioritize safety while intensifying search efforts. Further updates are expected as the expert team from Sofia joins the operation and analysis of the video footage progresses.