Mystery panther disappears without a trace in Bulgaria

Sofia: After nearly two weeks of alarm and a lockdown of the Shumen Plateau Nature Park, Bulgarian authorities have called off the active search for a suspected black panther believed to be roaming the area. The hunt was triggered by viral footage and paw prints that raised fears of a large predatory cat on the loose. Yet no definitive evidence has been found.

Zoologists from the National Museum of Natural History now suggest the prints likely belonged to a large dog. No livestock were harmed, no sightings occurred in nearby villages, and extensive camera traps yielded no results. Still, rumours persisted — including reports of not one but two black panthers, one allegedly pregnant.

Theories range from a potential cross-border movement from neighbouring Serbia, Romania, or Hungary, to an escape from an illegal exotic pet owner. While the panic has subsided, officials say they will continue passive monitoring.

This is not Bulgaria’s first brush with unexpected wildlife. In recent years, the country has seen a leopard escape a zoo, a caracal roaming Plovdiv, and even a pet alligator discovered in a Sofia housing block — adding to growing concerns over unregulated exotic animal ownership in the region.