Bear Sighted Near Sandanski Zoo: Authorities Warn Residents and Tourists
Three-year-old brown bear roams municipal recreation zone
A bear roaming near the municipal zoo in Sandanski prompted local authorities to issue a public warning. The animal remains uncaptured following comprehensive searches in a one-kilometer radius around the sighting zone.
Joint emergency mobilization across Blagoevgrad and Sandanski
Emergency teams and municipal authorities mobilized swiftly after the wildlife sighting near the town’s recreation zone, a popular destination featuring local hotels and dining establishments. Officials from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in Blagoevgrad, the Sandanski State Forestry Enterprise, and the local police department were immediately notified of the incident.
Municipal workers equipped the zoo guards with firecrackers authorized by wildlife regulations to deter the animal. Subsequent foot patrols by staff failed to locate fresh tracks or physical evidence of the bear’s immediate presence.
Driver pursued near Liljanovo road
The morning commute brought a direct confrontation with the wild animal just outside town limits. Martin Malkov was traveling from the village of Liljanovo toward Sandanski when the bear bounded out of roadside brush near the local river and pursued his vehicle before ascending the forested slopes toward the nearby settlement of Polenitsa.
Despite clear municipal advisories to steer clear of the recreation perimeter, tourists and local residents continued visiting the zone. Some expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity of the alert before arriving to inspect the area.
Mandatory safety protocols for public protection
Wildlife experts and municipal administrators emphasize strict behavioral guidelines for anyone encountering the animal in the region. Citizens must maintain complete calm, avoid running, shouting, or making sudden movements, and refrain from attempting to photograph, feed, or chase the bear away.
Authorities instruct individuals to back away slowly while keeping the animal in sight if it stands stationary, and to halt without running if the bear advances. Families are advised to keep children close or pick up toddlers entirely, and to maintain a wide berth around any potential bear cubs to avoid triggering a defensive response from a mother.
Emergency contact procedures at telephone 112
Anyone spotting the bear or facing direct danger should immediately contact emergency services at telephone 112 from a secure location, providing precise positional details to assist responding forestry and municipal teams.