Bulgarian authorities are on alert after a black silhouette, possibly a large feline, was filmed in the city of Șumen. Meanwhile, the internet has filled with false images and fantasy theories.
Bulgaria is on alert after a black silhouette, possibly a panther, photo was filmed: X
In the last days, Bulgaria has been agitated after the appearance on the social networks of a video that would look like a “panther” walking in a park in the eastern city, near the monument of the founders of the Bulgarian state.
In addition to the filming, traces of steps have been reported, as well as the remains of some prey in the area. Although large felines usually feed on rodents or deer, and some attacks on people have been reported in Europe, they are not officially confirmed, Euronews reports.
Memes and fake images on the Internet
After the outbreak of the case, the social networks were invaded by photos without descriptions, many of them presenting the alleged “panther” in Șumen. However, most of these images are just illustrative pictures, taken from images, and are not related to the situation in Bulgaria.
Also, another video appeared, which would look either the same animal two years ago or another big feline. The specialists consulted by Euroverify are skeptical: it is more likely that a domestic cat will appear in that shooting.
“There are large breeds of cats, such as Maine Coon, which can reach 6-10 kg, can be 40 cm high and almost a long meterE ”, explained Dr. Tara Pirie, lecturer in ecology and preservation at the University of Surrey.”If it were a big feline, I would look after a long, supple tail and a relatively large head. ”
She also added a tip for the public: “I recommend to people that if they meet such a feline, they will not approach and leave them space. If they can return to the scene later and photograph the traces left, having a reference object for dimensions in the frame, this could help to identify.”
The searches continue. Could be an animal escaped from captivity
Bulgarian authorities take seriously the possibility that the animal has escaped from a private zoo, possibly illegally owned by organized crime networks. The hypothesis is also supported by similar cases from other European countries.
In the United Kingdom and Spain, some occurrences of large felines have proven to be exotic animals escaped from captivity. In the Netherlands and Germany, investigations have shown that animals “mystery“They had actually been confused with other species.
For example, in January 2024, four laughter were seen in the Scotland Mountains, the authorities suspecting they had been illegally issued, given their gentle behavior and straws found nearby. In Spain, a feline observed in 2018 in Guadalajara proved to most likely come from an illegal private collection.
And in Germany, in 2023, the authorities ended the searches for an alleged lioness who “wandering” through Berlin, after concluding that the animal seen was, in fact, a wild boar.
The case of the “panther” in Bulgaria remains open
In Bulgaria, the searches continue. The Police in Șumen asked the population not to approach the animal, if he observes it, and the administration of the Central Balkans has announced that it has resorted to the support of South African experts and hunters to identify and capture the animal safe.
Meanwhile, the Internet continues to generate content related to the “panthera” in Șumen, from images created with artificial intelligence in which the black cat appears “eating local dishes ” or “making selfies”, Until jokes and memes, but the authorities urge caution and discernment.
